Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy as they are the most efficient to convert to energy of the three main nutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat). They provide energy for the central nervous system and to power muscles during work/activity.

So carbohydrates are:

The primary source of energy, the only fuel for the central nervous system, an aid to metabolising fat (without glucose present in your muscles fat metabolism or break down cannot occur) and carbs spare the protein in your body, being used in preference as energy,  leaving the protein for growth and repair.

1g of carbohydrate supplies 4kcal of energy.

Carbs can be broken down into two categories, simple carbs and complex. Simple carbs are simple sugars such as fructose - fruit sugar, maltose and glucose these breakdown quickly providing energy for approx 30 minutes. Complex carbs are made of strings of sugars and take longer to breakdown, they can be found in the form of starches and fibre etc (potatoes, rice, vegetables, beans etc)

To maintain metabolism throughout the day try to eat complex carbs with breakfast, simple carbs with your mid morning and afternoon meals. Keep carbs to the front of the day and fill up on vegs and salad with your tea/dinner.