Carbohydrates, or carbs for short, come from starchy foods like potatoes, rice, and some other fruits and vegetables. They are the body’s preferred source of energy for most activities, as they provide a quick form of easily accessible energy. Where protein and fats are slow to digest, and slow to break down to burn as fuel, carbohydrates are very easy for your body to digest, and stored carbohydrates are easy to use for energy. When you need a fast energy supply, carbohydrates will digest, absorb, and be used much more efficiently than protein or fats. Every gram of carbohydrate contains four calories. Technically, you could get by with no major health issues without including carbohydrates, as your body can create glucose from protein or fats, but it’s very difficult to avoid carbohydrates entirely.