We need carbohydrates to help fuel the body with energy as well as provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. But it's important to know the difference between the two!

The refined carbohydrates are the ones found in white bread, white pasta, baked goods, and pastries. They are super high in sugar and strip your body from essential nutrients. Healthy carbohydrates such as the carbs found in fruits, veggies, oats, quinoa, and brown rice are excellent energy sources and provide antioxidant support and minerals that you would not find in refined carbs.

The bottom line is that following the number count on a food label is not the best approach to understanding the benefits of a certain food. If the carb count in a cinnamon role is the same as the carb count in a quinoa stir fry dish, it all comes down to which has the higher nutritional value? Clearly, the quinoa stir fry is much more nutrient dense as it’s going to give your body a nice protein boost, will likely include fiber rich veggies, and will sustain your body much longer than a cinnamon roll. Refined carbs will cause a blood sugar spike, and strip your body of essential mineral reserves while also dousing your body with sugar leading to cravings, and sugar addiction.