Good carbohydrates are generally high in fiber. Foods high in fiber will give you energy over longer periods of time. They also give you a sense of feeling full. Foods that are high in fiber help to lower cholesterol levels, as well as aiding the body in toxin removal.

Good carbohydrates generally have a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index will not cause a spike in blood sugar. This is especially important for diabetics who have to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels.

Good carbohydrates are nutritious. Good carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Examples of good carbohydrate foods:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole grain breads
• Whole grain cereals
• Whole grain pastas
• Some dairy products

What Are Bad Carbs?

Bad carbohydrate foods are those that have been refined and processed. These foods are not in their natural state. Most of the nutritional value has been removed from these foods. Bad carbohydrate foods are generally loaded with many additives, including colorings, flavorings and preservatives.

Most bad carbohydrate foods are usually very tasteful and are packaged for easy handling. However, they are generally considered harmful to the body because they are not easily digested and they spike an individual’s blood glucose level. Bad carbohydrate foods include candy, baked goods with refined white flour, white pastas, and sodas.

If you eat too many bad carbohydrates, you will most probably gain weight. The calories are “empty” and they have no nutritional value. Individuals who have a lifestyle of eating bad carbs are more at risk to develop diabetes, heart disease, obesity and more

LOW CARB SNACKS

Celery with tuna salad

Hard boiled eggs

Deviled eggs

Dill pickles and cheddar cheese (no kidding, it's a great combo)

1/4 cup berries with 1/3 cup cottage cheese

Nuts (keep raw ones in the freezer if you think you'll overeat them)

Sunflower seeds (get them in the shell so it will take longer to eat them)

Jerky (beef or turkey -- try to find low-sugar varieties)

Cheese sticks, such as string cheese

Sugar-free Jello, alone or with cottage cheese and a sprinkling of nuts

Make sugar-free lime Jello with part coconut milk -- For a large package, dissolve the powder in a cup of boiling water, add a can of coconut milk, and then add the rest of the water. Stir well.

Pepperoni "chips" -- Zap the slices in the microwave

Cheese with a few apple slices

Lettuce Roll-ups -- Roll luncheon meat, egg salad, tuna or other filling and veggies in lettuce leaves

Lunch Meat Roll-ups -- Roll cheese or veggies in lunch meat (read the labels for carbs on the lunch meat)

Spread bean dip, spinach dip, or other low-carb dip or spread on the lunch meat or lettuce and then roll it up

Raw veggies and spinach dip, or other low-carb dip

Pork rinds, with or without dip

Ricotta cheese with fruit and/or nuts and/or flax seed meal

Mushrooms with cheese spread inside (or other spreads or dips)