Carbohydrates : The Number One Energy Source   ○ Our body needs carbohydrates, the most abundant compounds on Earth.   ○ Avoiding carbohydrates can mean nutritional deficiencies, loss of lean body mass (protein), energy loss, and depression.   ○ Blood sugar, known as glucose, is made from foods we eat (bread, rice, pasta, milk, fruits and more).   ○ Blood sugar is a vital necessity because our body uses it for energy.   ○ Protein and fats can, under certain circumstances, be converted into energy. Ketosis, which can occur when the body uses fat rather than carbs for energy, is of particular concern for those with Type 1 diabetes.   ○ Simple carbohydrates or naturally occurring single sugars, include glucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose. They are all broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream.    ○ Simple carbohydrates provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre. The body and brain use glucose for energy.   ○ Complex carbohydrates are eventually broken down into glucose but are digested more slowly. ○ Complex carbohydrates are filled with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. These sugars are absorbed more slowly and provide energy over longer periods of time.   ○ Excess glucose as a result of overeating carbohydrate rich foods leads to storage of glucose as glycogen in the muscles and/or liver. Muscles use muscle glycogen when needed. The liver releases its glycogen as blood sugar (glucose) into the bloodstream. ○ When the muscle and liver storage areas are full and the body does not need blood sugar, the muscles do not need to use energy, and the body has no need for additional carbohydrates, all excess glucose is converted by the liver into body fat.   ○ Low carb is not the answer. Adequate carbohydrate intake is.

○ Simple carbohydrates include table sugar, honey, natural fruit sugars, molasses, and many processed foods.   ○ White foods generally, including white rice, white bread, refined flour found in cereals, cookies, and candies or chocolate that contain high levels of fructose or corn syrup can lead to obesity, hypolgycemia, and excess body fat can lead to diabetes among other illnesses..   ○ These processed foods, devoid of nutrients, can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate dramatically, which can lead to insulin intolerance.   ○ Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruit. These carbohydrates offer nutrients, and energy over time. ○ Fibre, found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, is important in the elimination and detoxification process. It helps lower blood fats, balance sugar levels, boost energy, improve immunity, and plays a role in the prevention of digestive and bowel disorders.   ○ Too much fibre in the diet is not recommended, especially for children whose intestines are small.A sudden increase in fibre may cause temporary bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.   ○ Grains, fruits, vegetables are the best source of fibre. Supplements are not recommended and their overuse can cause nutrient deficiencies and dehydration.