To avoid confusion, the word “food” has to do with what appears on the plate; the word “nutrient” has to do with science. Let’s imagine a nice apple pie.
If we look at its composition, we can say that it is a food consisting of a combination of ingredients, including flour, butter, sugar and apples.
If we then consider its effect on the body, we think in terms of nutrient rather than food. The various stages of digestion will “convert” the food - the apple pie - into nutrients.
Nutritionists divide the nutrients in the apple pie into two categories: macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and proteins) and micronutrients : vitamins and minerals, (calcium, iron, etc).
See the chart summarizing the energy value of nutrients
If you eat a balanced diet, most of your carbohydrates come from cereals and cereal products (eg. : bread, etc.), starches (potatoes, dry vegetables), fruit, vegetables, milk, sugar and sugar products.