Say Yes to Carbs!

Think you need to swear off carbs to lose weight? No way! There is no one food group that you need to avoid to be healthy and lose weight. To ensure proper nutrition, and to give you the energy you need to exercise regularly, you should consume a variety of foods, including carbs.

The key with carbs is to choose those that are better for you -- complex carbs, such as beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, while avoiding high-sugar, processed foods like cake. Not only are refined carbs low in nutritional value, higher in calories, but they don't leave you feeling sated like complex carbs. That's why we tend to eat too much of them as we attempt to feel satisfied, and of course, eating a lot of sugary cereal, tons of white bread and heaping bowls of pasta definitely isn't going to help you lose weight.

If you don't like whole grains now, try different varieties and add a fruit or veg to each meal if you're not meeting your daily minimum. Enjoying carbs -- and other types of "forbidden" foods -- in moderation will keep you from feeling deprived which can help you to stop overeating.
Tip: Adding fat to a carb serving will help you feel fuller longer (Reach for whole grain bread and a tablespoon of peanut butter, for instance. )

More: Carb Myths

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