"Carbohydrates can be broken down into two categories based on their chemical structure: simple and complex. A simple carbohydrate is like a penny -- you can't break it down into smaller change. Your body doesn't have to work as hard to break down a simple sugar because it's already in its most basic form. Simple carbohydrates include sugar added to desserts and those found in fruits and milk, just to name a few. While it's best to avoid simple sugars found in desserts and high-calorie drinks because they have little nutritional value, milk and fruits have vitamins, minerals and calcium that are good for your health."