The C word...

Carbohydrates! This essential nutrient has gotten a bad rap over the last decade or so. This is a shame because carbs are absolutely essential for good health. Carbs are the body's main source of fuel for the brain and muscles.

There are 2 types of carbs, simple and complex. Simple carbs are the ones to avoid, but most of what you hear is all carbs are bad, Complex carbs end up 'guilty by association'. Examples of simple carbs (to avoid) Highly processed foods(chips, cookies, snack cakes), White flour, Candy, Soda, Corn syrup, Fruit juice, Dairy, Pasta made with white flour, White rice, Table sugar, and basically any desserts or baked goods using white flour and refined white sugar.

Now for the good part! Complex carbs: Lentils, Kidney beans, Chickpeas, Split peas, Soybeans, Pinto beans, Soymilk, Brown rice, Corn, Wheat(pasta, bread, bagels, english muffins), Barley, Oats, Quinoa, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, Strawberries, Beans, Apples, Pears, Grapefruit, and many more. Complex carbohydrates are the opposite of fattening. Rather, they're filling, providing our bodies with nutrients it will appreciate.