Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Use a Carbohydrate Chart?

Troy Holmes
Troy Holmes

Many studies have shown that eating foods high in carbohydrates causes weight gain. A carbohydrate chart is a dieting tool that is used for tracking the daily intake of carbohydrates. Most individuals should consume no more then 300 grams of carbohydrates per day. This chart tracks the food, portion size, and estimated carbohydrates consumed on a daily basis.

Counting carbohydrates is a good method for managing daily calorie intake. A carbohydrate chart can be combined with a daily calorie chart to measure the amount of all foods consumed throughout the day. Logging daily calories is a good way to manage weight. This daily tracking technique helps an individual monitor protein, fats, carbohydrates, and water consumption.

Whole grains high in fiber are good carbohydrates.
Whole grains high in fiber are good carbohydrates.

Dieting charts have been used for decades as a method of tracking food and calories. The first step to controlling weight is watching the foods eaten. By monitoring daily nutrient consumption on a carbohydrate chart, an individual is more likely to think twice about what he eats. Each meal becomes a conscious decision, which makes managing a diet easier.

Many studies have shown that eating foods high in carbohydrates causes weight gain.
Many studies have shown that eating foods high in carbohydrates causes weight gain.

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the human body. Overeating foods high in carbohydrates causes the body to store the additional carbs as reserve fuel in the form of fat. This fat storage will continue to grow, causing a person to become overweight. The carbohydrate chart can help an individual reduce his carbohydrate portions and choices.

Potatoes are high in carbohydrates.
Potatoes are high in carbohydrates.

The body digests high-carbohydrate foods fast. This causes an individual to feel hungry sooner after he eats high-carb foods. Some examples of these foods include ice cream, donuts, soda, and candy. This quick-energy food causes the body to spike with energy and quickly crash, which makes a person feel hungry. A carbohydrate chart can be used as a tool to track and reduce quick-energy foods in a daily diet.

A low-carbohydrate diet is special diet plan that is high and protein and low in carbohydrates. This type of diet causes quick weight loss because it forces the body to burn fat. The body typically relies on carbohydrates for energy. When this nutrient is reduced, the body is forced to burn fat for energy. This metabolic effect causes quick weight loss.

A daily diet should include a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Monitoring food intake is an excellent method of managing a diet. This type of monitoring technique is often used by professional athletes and body builders.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Whole grains high in fiber are good carbohydrates.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Whole grains high in fiber are good carbohydrates.
    • Many studies have shown that eating foods high in carbohydrates causes weight gain.
      By: kai
      Many studies have shown that eating foods high in carbohydrates causes weight gain.
    • Potatoes are high in carbohydrates.
      By: Picture Partners
      Potatoes are high in carbohydrates.