Carbohydrates often get a bad reputation and there’s a lot of confusion about good carbs vs bad carbs and what we should be eating, especially if weight loss is the goal. First up, what are carbohydrates and why do we need them? According to registered nutritionist Kirsten Oddy (opens in new tab) , carbohydrates (carbs) are a type of macronutrient, alongside protein and fats, found in a variety of foods and drinks. “We have three main types of carbs: fiber, starches and sugars,” she explains. “Fiber and starches are complex carbs, whereas sugars are simple carbs. Complex carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy and help to fuel our nervous system, our muscles and organs. Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, are digested much quicker and send immediate bursts of glucose (energy) into the bloodstream, often with little nutritional value.” While low-carb diets are popular for weight loss, eliminating all carbohydrates can leave you low on … [Read more...] about Good carbs vs bad carbs: what you need to know