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Weight Loss Myth: Carbohydrates Are the Enemy

 
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Many diets suggest cutting out or limiting carbohydrates (commonly referred to as “carbs”). In truth, your body needs carbs to function properly. Carbs help your brain and nervous system processes, improving memory and learning ability, and also help provide the fuel your body needs on a daily basis.

Additionally, eating a diet high in protein also could be increasing your fat and cholesterol intake, which could be dangerous. It’s likely that when eliminating carbs you may lose weight initially, but eventually, your weight may plateau.

When watching your carb intake, you may want to instead focus on eating “healthy” carbs, like portion-controlled milk, yogurt, fruit, juice, oats, cereals, beans, and corn. Those foods provide fiber you need in your diet, and can help keep you from feeling “foggy” in your weight loss program.

Someone with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome problems may benefit from limiting their carb intake or monitoring the types of carbs they are consuming.

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Resource:
6 Diets That Can Hurt Your Health
What Should you Eat: Carbohydrates, the Full Story

Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Good article. It is true many people think carbs are the enemy. The Carbs Lover Diet is considered by many to be a very healthy diet. Its all about Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs eating foods high in resistant starch is what this diet is all about. of course you will have limited portions but seems to be an over all healthy diet.

December 30, 2011 - 5:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Other good carbohydrates that are all high in fiber are: Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet, Buckwheat and Kasha (toasted buckwheat). Some people stay away from all rice because of the possible high glycemic index, but a limited or modest amount of WHOLE grain rices (there are many kinds) will help rather than hinder when eaten with a proper balanced diet as described above. Corn is questionable, because a lot of the corn on the market is GMO and anyone with tyramine intolerance will benefit by staying away from corn. However, I do agree with the article that it matters which carbohydrates a person eats. It is noted that quinoa actually has far more protein and fiber than wheat.

January 26, 2011 - 12:28pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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