It's Not the Amount, But the Type of Carbohydrates That Hurts Your Weight Loss

Low-carbohydrate diets have become incredibly popular in the last 10 years or so, but lowering all carbohydrates is really not necessary. There are only certain ones that should be limited. If you are trying to lose weight, or just be healthier, it is important to know your carbohydrates and which ones are "safe" and which are to "blame" in terms of being healthy and unhealthy.

Am I Eating Too Many Carbohydrates?

First, very few Americans are actually eating too many carbohydrates. The average American consumes a diet of about 2,000 calories per day. This amount of calories allows for 275 grams of carbohydrates. Also, you need a minimum of 130 grams of carbohydrates to just ensure that your brain is functioning fully. You need carbohydrates - as long as they are the right kind - and should not severely limit them on purpose as this could do more harm than good.

Which Carbohydrates Are the Right Carbohydrates?

When we talk about the right kind of carbohydrates, we are talking about unprocessed complex carbohydrates. These are found in fresh, whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You want these foods in your diet and plenty of them. Think about it. How many people do you know that eat a diet primarily of these foods that are unhealthy?

Now, you want to avoid and limit the less refined carbohydrates. These are found in foods like white bread, many cereals, cookies and packaged crackers. This is not saying you cannot sneak that occasional cookie or graham cracker, but you certainly can, but your diet should limit these types of foods and be primarily made up of foods that are whole and fresh.

So, Do Low-Carb Diets Work?

They can work, but they are not sustainable or a very well-balanced way of living. You need fruits and whole grains and these contain those "safe" carbohydrates.

To lose weight, you need to expend more energy than you take in - meaning burn more calories than you consume. A doctor or nutritionist can help you determine exactly what your daily caloric intake and exercise amount should be. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are no shortcuts. Weight loss is very difficult, but also very doable as long as it is done in a way that you are comfortable with. This means food changes that you can handle and an exercise plan that you can handle.