Additionally, please keep in mind that there are different types of carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, quinoa or brown rice) provide calories, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods that are high in processed, refined simple sugars, like candy, soda, syrups, provide so-called “empty” calories, as they contain very little nutrition.
It is wise to limit these sugars. Glycemic index charts are available online. In general, foods that have a GI that is below 55 should be preferred.