Over the last few years, many Americans embraced a low-carb, high-protein diet, and for a while it seemed that carb had become one of our most reviled four-letter words. But in fact, much of the anti-carb craze was misguided. So what’s the truth?
As you might expect, the answer is to get back to basics and to use some moderation when choosing your foods.
Carbs are good for when they come from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Unfortunately, Americans get about three-fourths of their carbohydrates, on average, from refined sugars and refined grains – exactly the wrong sources.
My advice, when it comes to fruits and veggies, is just eat some – whether it’s fresh, frozen, or even canned (just watch for added sodium or sugar). Choose fruits and vegetables of various colors, especially dark colors.
And for grains, the rule is: the less refined the better. Cut back on commercially baked goods, white flour and white rice.
And remember, don’t focus on the carbs themselves; look at where they come from.
Dr.Mike
