Nine out of ten clients that walk through my office door have a grudge against the forbidden food group - Carbohydrates.
Some common quotes:
"Carbs are bad for you."
"I absolutely cannot eat carbs, they just don't agree with my body."
"Carbs are bad for me because they just are, everyone says they are...."
"Whatever you do, do not include carbs in my meal plan. It is impossible for me to lose weight when I eat carbs."
"Carbs make me fat"
When they leave my office the most famous quote is:
"Thank you! You gave me the right to eat carbs! It's been so long since I've merely touched anything related to carbohydrates."
Carbs are both good and bad for you and it's easy to separate the good from the bad. There are many health benefits from "good" or complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits which are chock full of fiber. Fiber slows down the absorption of nutrients which are eaten at the same meal including carbohydrates. This can help to lower blood cholesterol, prevent diabetes and keep us fuller longer. Fiber is therefore actually a dieter's best friend so go ahead and get your fill of good carbohydrates!
Having said that, we definitely want to minimize our intake of "bad," simple, or refined carbohydrates which are high in sugar and low in fiber, Examples of these carbs include, white bread, white rice and white pasta, added sugars, artificial syrups, soft drinks, cakes, cookies etc.
