Hello, I am Omega-2. I am here to help you learn about carbohydrates and make healthy choices for your meals and snacks.

Omega-2/Carbs

Carbohydrates give all our cells energy! When you eat carbs, your body manufactures fuel. When your body needs fast energy your body turns carbs into glucose. Your blood carries the glucose to all the cells in your body to give you energy.

Glucose brings energy to every part of your body. You need it so you can run, jump, think, blink, and breathe. Whatever you do, as long as you're using your body, you need glucose. Whenever you feel hungry and have trouble thinking you are running out of glucose, and your brain is begging for more fuel.

Just like protein, you bodydoesn't want tooo much sugar. When there is glucose left over that can't be used your cells store it in your liver and muscles. This is called glycogen. When your liver and muscle cells have too much, it turns to fat.

When the body needs glycogen while you exercise, it is released for quick energy. The energy you need is released from glycogen or fat depending on the type of activity you're doing, and how long you're doing it. If you're sprinting or doing quick exercise, your body calls on glycogen for energy. But if you are exercising for a long time, your body uses the stored fat.

What is a Carbohydrate?
Carbs grow on the ground or on trees. Carbohydrates are also called carbs. There are two different types: sugars and starches. Sugars are called simple carbohydrates because your body digests them quickly and easily. Simple carbs are usually sweet tasting, like cookies, candy, soda, and other sugary foods. Fruits are also sources of simple carbohydrates.

Starchy carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates. They take longer to be digest than simple carbohydrates. They are found in foods like bread, noodles, and rice, and in lots of tasty veggies.

Where Do We Get Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are in lots of foods. Complex carbs are different from simple carbs. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed into your blood very fast. They provide some really quick energy. they can often come with lots of fat and lack important vitamins that your body needs.

Simple Carbohydrates
Many fruits are a good source of simple carbs, so if you're looking for some quick energy and a healthy snack, these are the way to go! Apples, bananas, grapes, fruit cocktail, oranges, and pears. Always make sure you balance them with a protein and you will have lots of energy!

Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates give energy at a slower rate. They take longer to be digested, so your body needs more time to release these carbs into your blood as glucose. Complex carbs are better when you are exercising or playing in a game, because you can count on them to give you energy that lasts along time. Complex carb contain lots of vitamins and minerals your body needs.

t's easy to get the complex carbs your body likes to use as fuel - broccoli, green beans, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers are all great ways to get complex carbs.

Vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Omega 2 will teach you how to choose the best types of veggies. You can put sauces on them to make them taste even better!

Fruits are another important source of vitamins and minerals. But please be careful! Some fruits have lots of sugar. You can still eat them if you eat smaller portions. Omega 2 will teach you all about fruits and vegetables. Our bodies need sugar but it is important to balance that sugar with protein. Also, fructose is the best sugar to use.