Starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, pasta, rice, noodles, yam, breads of all kinds and cereals are good, filling energy foods. These foods give us energy to work, to grow babies, to enjoy life.

These starchy carbohydrates aren’t to be confused with the sugary carbohydrates like sweets, puddings, cakes and biscuits. There are important differences:

• The energy from starchy carbohydrates is slowly absorbed into our bodies, so we feel full and satisfied for some time
• Sugary foods, on the other hand, give us a quick boost of energy but we soon feel hungry again
• Starchy carbohydrates give us important vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre as well as energy
• Most sugary foods have very poor nutritional value and may actually drain important nutrients from our bodies as they are digested
• Most starchy foods are relatively cheap to buy, whereas sugary foods tend to be expensive
• Starchy carbohydrates are an important part of eating well, but sugary foods can contribute to weight problems and tooth decay

Reviewed by babyworld midwife Hannah Hulme Hunter