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High Carb Foods

Most carbohydrates are broken down into sugar molecules by the digestive system to provide the body with the energy to perform bodily functions. Fiber constitutes the only carbohydrate that the digestive system cannot break down, according to Harvard's School of Public Health. Athletes may benefit from short-term high-carbohydrate diets, since carbohydrates provide the body's muscles with energy for exercise. Whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain high amounts of carbohydrates.

  1. Whole Grain Foods

    • Whole grain foods carry high amounts of starch carbohydrates that your body can slowly digest without causing rapid changes in blood sugar. Whole grain breads, oatmeal, cereals and pastas make excellent sources of carbohydrates. According to Harvard's Public School of Health, the body can digest carbohydrates in white bread much more quickly, which may cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

    Fruits

    • Fruits make a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins and nutrients. Naturally occurring complex carbohydrates from food such as fruit benefit the body more than simple sugars from processed or refined foods that are high in calories, according to Medline Plus. Fruits that contain the most carbohydrates include apples, bananas, prunes and figs. Fruits with lower amounts of carbohydrates include watermelons, strawberries and cantaloupe.

    Vegetables

    • Many vegetables contain high amounts of carbohydrates, including potatoes, carrots, artichokes and peas. You can serve vegetables raw or cooked, since the cooking process doesn't leech any carbs from vegetables. According to the American Heart Association's website, high-carbohydrate diets containing fruits, vegetables and non-fat dairy products help reduce blood pressure.

    Dairy Products

    • Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk provide high amounts of carbohydrates, as well as protein, calcium and vitamins. Non-fat dairy foods work well for high-carbohydrate diets for non-athletic purposes, although athletes may wish to use low-fat or regular dairy products in their high-carbohydrate diet.

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