The main role of carbohydrates in simple terms is energy. Carbohydrates supply your body with the glucose it needs for that energy. If you take away carbohydrates then you take away that much needed energy for your body to perform.

Carbohydrates can be divided into two types. The two types of carbohydrates are simple and complex.

Simple Carbohydrates

-(Sugar) can be found in soda, cookies, candy, and mostly junk foods. Don’t misunderstand because it can also be found in natural foods such as fruits and fruit juices. These carbohydrates can be absorbed by your body quickly, giving you instant energy. This energy however does not last and you can quickly lose it, this term is called crashing. When you crash you quickly lose your energy and become tired. Simple carbohydrates really do nothing else, but give your body that boost.

Complex Carbohydrates

-(Starch) can be found in foods such as potatoes, pasta, breads, cereals, corn, peas, rice, and whole wheat. Complex carbohydrates digest very slowly, and they give you energy that last through out the day. The most important thing about this energy is there is no crash.

Some complex carbohydrates have fiber in them. Fiber is also digested even slower; this gives you the feeling of being full and satisfied. Fiber can be found in whole grain breads, these are usually darker in color, bran-containing cereals, like Fiber One, All Bran and Raisin Bran, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber also helps in the digestion progress, absorbing water and allowing for softer bowel movements.

Dieting and Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates like the other nutrients are important to the body. When dieting, unless directed by your doctor, you should eat the serving suggestion of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are not bad for you and will not cause you to gain unwanted body fat. UNLESS you eat more then your body needs.

Low Carbohydrate diets and Negative effects 

-loss of energy, energy comes from proteins and fats
-replaces carbohydratess with protein and other fats for needed energy
-high protein diets are also high in saturated fat ,found in meat, whole milk, eggs, cheese, butter, and ice cream, which may increase your risk of heart disease. Also, digesting protein takes calcium from the body and requires extra work by kidneys
-some health care professionals are concerned about possible long-term health effects
- will lose weight, but will gain it back quickly

I and many others do not recommend diets that cut out any of the nutrients your body needs to perform and grow. If you want a low carbohydrate diet then cut back on your simple carbohydrates. You should replace your sodas, your candy, and your junk foods with healthy carbohydrates. You can replace them with real fruit juice or water, with real fruit and vegetables, and whole wheat snacks.