By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
Out of all three macronutrients that we need to fuel our bodies, carbohydrates are often the one that are the most looked down on. Whether it be because they can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and glucose, or because they can cause weight gain, they get quite the bad rap. But registered dietician Cynthia Sass says that eating the right kinds of carbs in a well-balanced diet can actually be quite healthful. When correctly chosen the carbs that we eat can provide our bodies with so many important vitamins and minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. 
The following are her suggestions on some very healthy carb sources to consider adding to your diet.
- Brown rice
- Beans
- Whole fruits
- Pure maple syrup (as a refined sugar alternative)
- Millet
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Vegetables
As you might have noticed, all of these carbohydrate-rich foods are all whole and unrefined. Refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice, refined sugar, and others, have all been stripped of their nutritional value during processing. So, to reap the most nutrition and health benefits from the carbs you consume, it’s important to choose only those that are unrefined and whole.
Arizona agriculture grows and produces lots of healthy carb sources! Check out the Fill Your Plate website for more information on where and how you can locate locally grown foods!