Lower your weapons, ladies. Carbs are not the enemy.

To carb, or not to carb, that is the question.

Well, actually, it’s not the question. The question, rather, must be, which carbs to carb?

Listen up ladies, as I would argue, alongside many , that if we were to focus most of our energy on changing one component of our diet – the quality of carbohydrates we are eating – as opposed to any other component of our diet, we might see the greatest results. Results in the form of weight and fat loss, prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome, improved digestion, energy, and a general sense of feeling better. Oh, and looking better, duh.

Carbs are not the enemy. I know, you think I’m crazy, and must just be blessed with genetics that allow me to indulge in carb-licious concoctions. This ain’t the case. The simple truth is carbs are wonderful. In fact, they are a key component in the sustenance of life, along with protein and fat. (But please, like anything, in moderation!) Thing is, the carbs we are eating today aren’t real carbs. They’re fake, manufactured, processed carbs which muddle with our metabolisms and our waistlines.

We need to get back to the basics. Back to the real carbs. None of this wonder bread crud, cause it ain’t that wonderful to us. Will the real carbohydrates please stand up?

I’m not hating on those of you who consume these “wondrous” white carbs, I’m just hating on those who misled the masses to believe they were full of wonder. In fact, it is quite the misdemeanor of false advertising by Wonder Bread. Perhaps I should send in a suggestion that they switch their brand name to a more applicable title, such as “Diabetes Bread”, or maybe simply “Fat Bread.”

Well here’s what I wonder: why give us carbs that are gonna kill us? Typically businesses try to retain their clients for a lifetime rather than make them sick!

But lets get down to the simple stuff: which carbs to carb?

• Sprouted bread, tortillas, English muffins (Food For Life’s Ezekiel Bread is a great brand!)
• Brown Rice
• Whole wheat bread, tortillas – really anything so long as the word “whole” is first on the ingredient list. NOT enriched wheat flour, then whole wheat further down the list. First.
• Quinoa, barley, bulgur, or any other natural, untouched grain
• Pasta made solely from whole wheat flour (no other ingredients on package. I mean none!), or made from brown rice or quinoa.

If something doesn’t fit on this list, stay away. Of course, special occasions are special exceptions. What, are you not supposed to eat the cake at your wedding? Are you just supposed to sit back on your birthday and let everyone else enjoy the cupcakes your friend slaved over for you? No way! But, be good to yourself on a regular basis, and I promise, you will look better, feel better, and be better.

So go ahead, keep on loving those carbs. But just like with our significant others: start loving the right ones, and they will love you right on back.

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