Types of Food
Different types of foods have specific roles within the body:
Carbohydrates
Found in breads, fruits, starchy vegetables, and dairy foods, carbohydrates are our main source of energy. Whether carbohydrates come from rice, cereal, plain sugar, or any other source, they're eventually broken down into glucose, the type of sugar our bodies use as fuel.
Protein
Protein helps your body's cells grow and repair themselves. You'll find it in meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, nuts, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Very little protein is converted to blood sugar, but that doesn't make it a free food. Lean protein should be eaten in balance with other foods, to limit the amount of cholesterol in your diet
Fat
Fat is a necessary part of any diet, but we need only small amounts of it each day to remain healthy. While fat won't affect your blood sugar directly, too much fat gets stored as excess calories and weight. So try to limit all unnecessary fat, especially saturated and trans fats, which are especially unhealthy.Â
Fiber
Fiber is a carbohydrate that isn't digested by the body. It's often found in unprocessed or "whole" grains, beans, and vegetables. Fiber is important for your heart and digestive health. It can also aid in losing weight, because it slows the digestion of certain carbohydrates, helping you feel more satisfied for longer after eating.
Vitamins and Minerals
Don't forget the important role fruits and vegetables play in providing a variety of key nutrients. These provide a long list of benefits, from strengthening our immune systems to promoting healthy eyes, skin, and more.