To better understand how your body responds to food, it helps to learn about the three main types of nutrients in your diet: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The carb conundrum

You’ll probably hear the word “carbohydrates” or “carbs” when you talk with your doctor or dietitian. Carbs come in three varieties:

• sugars that occur naturally in foods like fruit and milk, and refined sugars from sugarcane and beets
• starches from grains like corn and wheat, potatoes, and peas
• fiber from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

The first two types of carbs break down into sugar, and they have a big effect on your blood sugar levels.