As it has been mentioned, carbs consist of sugars, refined or unrefined. They play an essential role in building up our organism and immune system in particular. If you are a frequent fast food restaurant goer, it is important to know the amount of carbs in fast food. 

The most popular items on fast food menu include the following amount of carbs: Hamburger - 19 g, medium fries - 52 g, fried chicken - 8 g, grilled chicken burger - 20 g, cheeseburger - 33 g, hash browns - 15 g, hot dog - 17 g, apple pie - 50 g, large shake - 80 g. It should be mentioned though that the processed, manufactured food is usually rich in non-nutritious carb sugars, which can be found in many fast food products. They are also known as refined sugar carbs. We can find unhealthy carbs in fast food like carbonated soft drinks, ice cream, syrups, cookies and cakes.

In order not to damage our health we shouldn't  consume any of these refined carbohydrate foods. To help our organism protect us against serious diseases like cancer or heart disease we should eat more fruit and vegetables, which are sources of unrefined sugars. These sugars supply the organism with vital phyto-chemicals and other nutrients. The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board advises that 45-65 percent of all calories should be consumed from carbohydrates. Eating fewer carbs can be dangerous, since extra calories are likely to come from protein in meat products and can add unnecessary fat-calories to diet. If you want to restrict yourself to lower amount of carbs in fast food, you must not deprive yourself of carbohydrates for a long period. If you are fed up with burgers and Chinese sandwiches, you may try Grilled Asian Pork Patties, which can be considered low carb fast food.

You should also differentiate between "low carbohydrate" and "low fat" diets. The low-fat diets emaciate the body, so that muscle and fat end up being energy supply. If the low carb diet is planned properly, the body will burn fat and preserve the muscle. Exercise will contribute to the loss of fat and increase lean muscle.

Another difference between low carb and low fat diet is the absence of hunger. Low carb diet allows you unlimited consumption of allowed products, so you can eat as much as you need without gaining weight. To lose weight, stay healthy and -  what is more -  to get rid of hunger pains, you should stick to some healthy carb tips. Its better to substitute bran flakes for frosted flakes, whole wheat bread - for regular white bread, rice cakes - for cereal bar, wholegrain wheat baguette - for French bread, wholewheat pasta - for regular pasta, brown rice - for white rice. It is also advisable to add oats, chopped fruit, salads, stews and wheatgerm to cereal. Vegetables and fruit must be added to meals as often as possible, so that the organism gets more useful unrefined sugars.

Despite the fact fast food restaurants have added many healthier options to the menu, including vegetable salads and fruit, the amount of healthy carbs in fast food is still insufficient for maintaining vital functions of the organism.