Ever since the Atkins diet, carbohydrates has become a dirty word. But cutting out carbs from your life completely can have extremely damaging effects on your overall health, and in fact weight loss.

As one of our main sources of fuel, our bodies and brains need carbohydrates for energy and to work effectively. Our central nervous system, kidneys, brain and muscles need carbohydrates to function properly, and our intestines need them to eliminate waste effectively.

So if you thought that new, healthy lifestyle habits meant ditching the carbs, then think again.

Although, that doesn’t mean it’s OK to keep piling up the servings of mac ‘n’ cheese, as you may have guessed. Eating healthily is about being conscious about what you put in your body and getting the right amounts from the best sources.

And, just for your reference, some of the really bad carbs include cakes, doughnuts, biscuits, refined white bread, sugary drinks, ice-cream, chips and chocolate. So, try to stick to the following 5 good carbs for optimum health.

1. Vegetables – All vegetables are good for you, but you should limit your intake of potatoes as these are a great way of piling on the pounds if you aren’t matching the calorie intake with regular exercise. Leafy green vegetables, including spinach and kale, provide balance and also help relieve stress and fatigue thanks to their high levels of magnesium and vitamin B. Broccoli is a great source of vitamin B6 and calcium, and carrots are full of fibre and natural sources of glucose that help give you energy and keep you feeling full.
2. Sweet potatoes – Try swapping out your regular spuds for sweet potatoes instead, at least a couple of times a week. Because they have a lower glycaemic index than regular potatoes, they make you feel fuller for longer and can also help prevent sugar cravings. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6 magnesium, and fibre.
3. Apples – Heard the one about an apple a day keeping the doctor away? Well, it’s true that apples pack a pretty powerful punch. They’re one of the best sources of carbs you can get as they fill you up and provide your body with a vital source of vitamin C and potassium. Although apples do contain a fair amount of sugar, they’re rich in natural sugars that digest more slowly than sugar found in processed foods. So you should definitely trade out your cereal bar or Twix for an apple from here on in.
4. Bananas – While you shouldn’t go bananas on bananas, as they’re kind of like the potato of the fruit world, keeping bananas on the menu is a good idea. They’re not only rich in potassium and magnesium, but can also can help relieve inflammation, stomach ulcers, nausea, and even depression and anxiety.
5. Quinoa – You may have already heard about the benefits of quinoa as a source of protein, but quinoa is also an excellent source of carbohydrate and releases energy slowly throughout the day. This gluten-free grain provides a great source of “good carbs” and is easy to cook as it fits in with all kinds of recipes.

If you do have a secret craving for Carbonara, or you can’t live without vanilla ice cream, remember it’s OK to give yourself a treat from time to time. Just try to limit your cheat meals to once or twice a week instead of once or twice a day.