Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates' nutritional worth, both good and bad, has been discussed for years. The fact that not all carbohydrates are created equal is sometimes overlooked in the debate. Knowing the characteristics of various carbohydrate foods will help you make healthy and balanced selections.

Whole grains and complex carbohydrates provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, lower your cholesterol, and help you feel fuller for longer.

What exactly is a carbohydrate?

Carbohydrates are your primary source of energy, and they may readily be converted from food to energy in your body.

When you consume anything sweet, you get a sugar rush or a burst of energy.

Carbohydrates are one of three nutritional categories that provide us with calories (energy). Proteins and fats are the other two. We need all three to survive.

However, if you consume too many carbohydrates, your body will quickly store them as fat for long-term energy. One of the reasons why some individuals avoid carbohydrates is because of this.

Because carbs are stored as fat in your body, portion control is essential while eating them.

Examples of 1 serving of carbohydrates:

1 slice of bread
1 6-inch tortilla
½ cup of cooked grains, rice, pasta, beans, corn, or peas
½ cup of rice or pasta
1 medium-sized fruit (apple, orange, peach, or tomato)
½ cup of starchy vegetables or ½ a regular potato
½ cup (4 oz.) of fruit juice or beverage with sugar
½ cup (4 oz.) ice cream

If you have a chronic renal illness, whole-grain food is a smart choice. These forms of carbohydrates are nutrient-dense and are an important part of a well-balanced diet.

Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and dairy:

Carbohydrates can be found in a variety of foods, including bread, cereals, pasta, and other flour and rice-based goods. Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products all include carbohydrates. These carbs are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they are a crucial part of a well-balanced diet.

If you're on dialysis, you should limit your potassium intake. Potassium is abundant in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and dairy products. There are, however, several low-potassium fruit and vegetable options (excluding beans, nuts, and dairy).

High-carbohydrate veggies should be consumed infrequently rather than on a daily basis. These veggies have a greater calorie count, which might lead to weight gain.

The following are the most popular "starchy" vegetables:

Potatoes -Very high in potassium
Corn
Peas

Keep in mind:

If you're on dialysis, consult your dialysis dietitian for advice on which carbohydrates are best for you.

Types of carbohydrates

Here are some things to keep an eye out for

Foods that have the “WHOLE GRAIN” stamp
Foods that say “Made with 100% whole grains”. Beware of labels that just say “Made with whole grains.” These products might actually have very few whole grains.
Foods that have “Whole” listed as the first ingredient. For example:
- Whole wheat
- Whole (any type of grain)
- Stoneground whole wheat
- Stoneground whole (any type of grain)
- Brown rice
- Oats: oats or oatmeal (old-fashioned rolled oats, instant oatmeal – but be careful of added phosphorus!)
- Wheat berries