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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?
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?
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
Limit added sugars
Without any nutrients, food and drinks with added sugar raise the amount of calories in your diet. These items include sugar-sweetened drinks, frozen dairy desserts or desserts such as cake or cookies. Check the Nutrition Facts label for added sugar to keep track. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend getting less than 10% of your daily calories from added sugar. Eating or drinking too many foods with added sugar can cause you to take in more than the calories you need each day.