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Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet
Understanding carbohydrates
More carbohydrate terms: Net carbs and glycemic index
How many carbohydrates do you need?
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Content
What are carbohydrates?
Types of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates and your health
Providing energy
Protecting against disease
Controlling weight
How many carbohydrates do I need?
Choose your carbohydrates wisely
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Focus on eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Boost the use of beans, peas and lentils
Limit added sugars
How carbs fit into your healthy diet
More carbohydrate terms: Net carbs and glycemic index
How many carbohydrates do you need?
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Content
What are carbohydrates?
Types of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates and your health
Providing energy
Protecting against disease
Controlling weight
How many carbohydrates do I need?
Choose your carbohydrates wisely
Make carbs one part of a balanced meal
Focus on eating fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
Replace refined grains with whole grains
Stick to low-fat dairy products
Boost the use of beans, peas and lentils
Limit added sugars
How carbs fit into your healthy diet
How many carbohydrates do you need?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that carbohydrates make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories.
So, if you get 2,000 calories a day, between 900 and 1,300 calories should be from carbohydrates. That translates to between 225 and 325 grams of carbohydrates a day.
You can find the carbohydrate content of packaged foods on the Nutrition Facts label. The label shows total carbohydrates — which includes starches, fiber, sugar alcohols, and naturally occurring and added sugars. The label might also list separately total fiber, soluble fiber and sugar.
