Joe says:

One of the byproducts of the high protein (in reality, high fat), low carbohydrate diets is a lingering belief that carbohydrates should be avoided. Diets that promote this belief do a real disservice in light of the facts. The truth is that not all carbohydrates are created equally. The consumption of "refined carbohydrates" such as white bread and refined sugars should be reduced. They add calories to your diet, and not much more.

But "complex carbohydrates" such as fruits, grains, legumes and whole grains are a different matter. They provide great nutrition, help to reduce cholesterol and aid in weight loss. Many studies have linked whole-grain foods, for example, with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A Harvard study of 7,800 female nurses with diabetes found that, over a 26-year period, those who ate the most bran ( a component of whole grains) had a 35% lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke than those who ate little or no bran. This is very convincing evidence.

So, don't listen to the quick weight-loss diet "experts" who would have you eliminate carbohydrates for a short-term weight loss. (I have a number of friends who lost 20 pounds with Dr. Atkins two years ago, and today have regained the weight and put on 20 more pounds!) To be sure, cut down or eliminate refined carbohydrates, but don't short yourself on complex carbohydrates. They are about the healthiest foods that we have.

1 | Sep. 9, 2010 at 4:45am