Carbohydrates are an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and are one of the main sources of energy we need to function not only properly, but also optimally. They are found in grains such as wheat, rice, oats, and barley; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; legumes; nuts; and seeds. Eating a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of developing diabetes, and give you more energy throughout the day. If we don’t provide our body with enough carbohydrates through food, our bodies are forced to make glucose in order to meet the needs of all cells. Making sugar (glucose) can result in muscle loss.