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What's the best-kept secret of the low-carb diet craze?
It's the calories that make you fat, not the carbs.
Our bodies need carbs. Complex carbohydrates are the main source of energy
to keep brains and muscles working properly. Most of the vitamins and
minerals in our diet come from this important food group.
Some carbs are very good for us. The trick is in knowing which carbs to choose.
Simple carbs - foods such as cakes, cookies, and candy aren't necessarily 'bad'
but they have given other carbs a bad rap. Bad carbs are low in nutritional
value and cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. We don't feel 'full' for
very long when we're snacking on these high-calorie, high-fat goodies. Blood
sugars quickly drop and we're hungry again.
When dietitians recommend eating more carbs, they are referring to complex
carbs - nutrient-dense, energy-giving foods that are often accompanied by
fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Good carbs keep us feeling full longer - and that
helps manage the number of calories we'll consume per day.
Some health professionals have expressed concern that severely limiting carb
intake will not help you lose weight for very long and could contribute to
health risks over time.
There is another side to the good carb/bad carb debate and it's as simple as the
joy of eating. Low carb diets require you to give up some very popular,
good-for-you foods. Fruits, potatoes and other vegetables… even milk contains
some carbohydrates.
If you think of potatoes as high fat or bad for you, think again. Potatoes are
often blamed for the toppings we choose to put on them. There are plenty of
healthier alternatives to that baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream.
Potatoes are the most popular vegetable in America. And, no wonder!
This nutritious comfort food goes great with anything.
Simply Potatoes Hash Browns helps
you put a hearty meal on the table in no time. Kick things up a notch with the slightly spicy
Southwest flavor or serve
the ever-popular Diced Potatoes with Onion.
Simply Potatoes are fresh potatoes made easy: nutritious, delicious and high in
energy-giving carbohydrates.
Worry less about carbs and more about calories. Vary your diet
with healthy, nutrient-dense foods and shed pounds for life instead of one season.
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