Carbohydrates provide the bulk of the caloric needs per day and should account for 45–65 percent of daily intake. They occur as sugars, starches, and dietary fiber and serve two main purposes: digestion and provision of energy. Sugar and starch break down into glucose, which is the simplest form of carbohydrate. Fiber does not break down into glucose, but it is important in digestion. Fiber also assists in weight loss by producing a feeling of satiety, or fullness.
Processed foods
are typically high in carbohydrates but low in fiber. They are also high in calories
and low in nutrients. Simple carbohydrates, such as those in fruit, break down
very quickly in the body and produce a burst of energy. More complex
carbohydrates, such as starches from potatoes, whole grains, and peas, take longer for the body to process and provide a more sustained level of
energy.