Carbohydrates are greatly misunderstood. Popularly alluded to as 'carbs', they all have acquired the reputation for making us fat. However, there are significant differences between them.

There are two types of carbohydrates - simple and complex. Both exist in either a refined or natural form.

Refined Form
The refined forms of both simple and complex carbohydrates are processed foods. These contain refined sugars and few essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health and energy levels. Examples of the simple form include sugar, fruit juices, and refined molasses and honey. They digest quickly, causing an immediate high followed by depression. Complex refined forms include baked goods, refined pasta, breakfast cereals and pizza. Furthermore, eating too much of either of these refined forms can cause food cravings. These are the 'carbs' that should be avoided.

Natural Form
Simple carbohydrates - The best source should come from seasonal fruits. Although these also digest quickly and cause the same reaction as the refined form, they contain essential vitamins and minerals. In their natural state, fruits quench thirst and have a cooling effect on hot summer days. Cooking seasonal fruit with a pinch of sea salt in cold weather adds a warming quality, produces a sweeter flavor and is more digestible.

Complex carbohydrate-These take longer to digest providing the energy needed for our daily activity and contain fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most experts recommend that 50 to 60 per cent of the total calories in our diet should come from complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, whole grain breads and whole grain pasta.

To obtain the most benefit from whole grains, chew them very well. Digestion begins with this process. Saliva alkalizes the mildly forming acidity of these grains turning them into a form of sugar during their digestion. This natural form of sugar balances our metabolism slowly while appeasing our appetite. Adding a pinch of sea salt during their cooking process also helps to alkalize them.

When the elements of fire and time are added to root vegetables, long simmering carrots, onions, parsnips, and rutabaga become sugar-sweet, easier to digest, and satisfy a sweet craving.