Page 4 - healthybody

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. There are three different

kinds of carbohydrates. They include starch, sugar, and fiber. Starch is made
from chains of small sugars. When these chains are broken down during

digestion, we get energy. We get 4 calories from each gram of starch (or

sugar). We do not get calories from fiber because our bodies do not break fiber

down during digestion.

Plant foods like cereals, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, plantains and corn are
good sources of starch. They give us the energy we need to do daily activities.

These starchy foods give us important vitamins and minerals, too.

Because carbohydrate-rich foods are usually low in calories, they can help us
keep a healthy weight. When we add fat (like butter, sour cream or gravies) at

the table or when we cook , we add extra calories and may gain weight. Try

using less mayonnaise, butter or margarine on breads and muffins. Use less

gravy or sour cream on potatoes. When we shop we can get the carbohydrates

we need without added fat by reading food labels. Compare crackers and bread

products and try the ones with less fat. Use more vegetables without fatty

sauces.