The Best Type Of Carbs To Eat Depending On Your Health Goals

Long vilified by diet culture as the ultimate source of weight gain, carbohydrates are the misunderstood macro in the food pyramid. Despite the rise of low- and no-carb diets, carbs are an essential component of a healthy diet. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, carbs should make up 45-60% of your daily caloric intake. However, all carbs aren’t created equal, and as much as we love a donut, it might not be the right choice for someone looking to keep their blood sugar in check.

“Carbohydrates can be categorized into two types: simple and complex. Simple carbs are digested fast, provide quick energy and are readily absorbed by your blood cells,” said registered dietician nutritionist Amanda Frankeny. “Complex carbohydrates take a while to be absorbed because of all the fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial compounds that come with them. If eaten in the right amount, they’re really beneficial to your health.”

From pasta and bread to bananas and beans, carbs are more than sweet treats; they make up the components of many foods. With that in mind, let’s discuss the best ones to add to your plate depending on your current health goals.

The Best Carbs For Weight Loss

It may feel counterintuitive to include carbs on your plate when weight loss is the goal, but cutting them out completely can have serious consequences for your health.

“It is important to avoid an excess of carbs — but it can be detrimental to metabolic function to go too far in the opposite direction, which we see in ketogenic diets and similar eating patterns,” said McKenna Welshans, a registered sports dietitian and exercise physiologist for Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in Pennsylvania.

“An insufficiency in carbohydrates