Not too long ago, carbohydrates were supposed to be the foundation of your daily meal plan (remember the food pyramid?). Then somewhere along the line, carb became a four-letter word. In reality, though, carbs aren't so evil.
The kind of carbs to avoid are either processed carbs, which have had their nutrients stripped away during manufacturing, or the simple kind, that never had any nutrition in the first place. The right carbs supply steady energy, keep blood sugar levels even, and help keep your mood up, too. A slice of whole-wheat bread—which you probably think of as being particularly carby—contains 13.6 carbs. But these five healthy foods actually have higher carbohydrate counts—proof that you don't need to avoid them at all costs.
Chickpeas
These babies rack up 35 grams of carbs per cup—with only six of those grams from sugar. Chickpeas are also low in calories (just 210 per cup), and they offer 11 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
These babies rack up 35 grams of carbs per cup—with only six of those grams from sugar. Chickpeas are also low in calories (just 210 per cup), and they offer 11 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
Soy Milk
You probably didn't think that any kind of milk would be a big source of carbohydrates. But remember, soy milk is derived from soy beans, and beans are rich in complex carbs. A cup of soy milk has 15 grams of carbs, plus eight grams of protein, four grams of fat, and just 131 calories.
You probably didn't think that any kind of milk would be a big source of carbohydrates. But remember, soy milk is derived from soy beans, and beans are rich in complex carbs. A cup of soy milk has 15 grams of carbs, plus eight grams of protein, four grams of fat, and just 131 calories.
Apples
Believe it or not, one large apple has 27 grams of carbs. It also comes with about five grams of filling fiber, 114 calories, and 1.5 grams of fat.
Believe it or not, one large apple has 27 grams of carbs. It also comes with about five grams of filling fiber, 114 calories, and 1.5 grams of fat.
Raisins
Sweet and chewy, just a quarter cup of raisins has 33 grams of carbs—more than twice as much as a slice of bread! Still, there's no reason to ditch the raisins: With 123 calories, 1.5 grams of fiber, and 309 milligrams of potassium per quarter cup, they’re still a solid choice.
Sweet and chewy, just a quarter cup of raisins has 33 grams of carbs—more than twice as much as a slice of bread! Still, there's no reason to ditch the raisins: With 123 calories, 1.5 grams of fiber, and 309 milligrams of potassium per quarter cup, they’re still a solid choice.
Sweet Potatoes
White potatoes are known for their starchy carb levels. But a medium-sized orange version of this root vegetable has 24 grams of carbs, 105 calories, and decent amounts of vitamin A and potassium. The natural sweetness makes them a great snack; bake one whole, or slice it into strips for baked sweet potato fries.
White potatoes are known for their starchy carb levels. But a medium-sized orange version of this root vegetable has 24 grams of carbs, 105 calories, and decent amounts of vitamin A and potassium. The natural sweetness makes them a great snack; bake one whole, or slice it into strips for baked sweet potato fries.