DID YOU KNOW . . . A simple carbohydrate is very quickly converted into energy in the body. Any unused energy is efficiently stored stored as fat. Carbohydrates are rated from simple to complex on a sliding scale.

An easy way to tell the complexity of the carbohydrates a food contains is to put it in a glass of water. How soon it breaks down into mush or dissolves will give you a pretty good indication as to its simplicity.

To reduce body fat and supply energy and nutrients to your body over a longer period of time, make sure the carbohydrates you consume lean more toward the complex. Sweet drinks like soda or fruit juice are about as simple as it gets and if consumed very often without the supporting metabolism a great way to build body fat.

If you do consume simple sugars, aim for a high bang (mood enhancer or nutrient dense) for your caloric buck. In other words, make sure it is the best tasting, healthiest food your money can buy.