Lately, carbohydrates have been frequently in and out of the news.  With so many fad diets getting attention in magazines, newspapers, and on talk shows, what is a person to do with all the conflicting information?  Are carbohydrates bad for you and should they be kept to a bare minimum, or are they a great source of calories for everyone?
 Your body needs carbohydrates to survive.  The energy you get from your muscles and liver are from glycogen, a form of carbohydrate that is stored there.  Your brain uses glucose as fuel to function.  The fuel you use when you exercise typically comes from a combination of fats and carbohydrates.  The problem most people have with carbohydrates is over consumption.  Anytime you eat too many calories - whether they come from carbohydrate, protein, or fat - your body will store the excess calories as fat.  For the average person, 50% to 60% of calories should come from carbohydrate, which will equate to about 3 to 5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight.  A persons' activity level will determine whether they are at the high or low end of these ranges.
 However, not all carbohydrates are created equal.  If the only carbohydrates you consume are candy, soda pop, and white bread, you may be missing out on some essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber.  Your carbohydrate menu should contain a good assortment of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain breads and cereals.  A good rule to go by is to choose carbohydrates that are as close to their natural state as possible (i.e. whole grain bread instead of white bread).  The less refined and processed a carbohydrate is, the better it is for you.