Carbohydrates Are Not The Enemy, They May Help You Lose Weight.

I always thought so too.

There's a big difference between simple carbs (refined grains, white bread, many cereals, etc.) and complex carbs (whole grains, vegetables, beans, etc.). Simple carbs are not good to eat because they turn to sugars quickly and can raise one's blood sugar level quickly.

Notice that the majority of carbs in that "big breakfast" diet are listed as "whole grain—two servings."

I had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies, so I was required to take two nutrition courses outlining that difference. I forget though that not everyone has ever been required to know the difference. So, thank you for writing that out!!

You're welcome, it's a good difference to know about. Unfortunately a lot of dietary guidelines over the last couple of decades just told people to eat lots of carbs and very little fat, without distinguishing between the "good" and "bad" types of each. (As a runner, I was always encouraged to eat as much pasta, bagels, etc. as I could... and none of it was whole grain!)

Complex carbs not only slow sugar down in entering your bloodstream, they have the added benefit of making you feel full because of the fiber. Anything that slows down my appetite is a good thing!

My appetite is admittedly out of control most days. And, if I were to go with the Atkins answer, I may lose weight quickly, but beyond having a multitude of long term health problems if I stayed with that for too long, my arteries would be mooing by the late afternoon of the very first day!!

So, complex carbs help me lose and/or maintain my weight well, since the fiber enables me to stay full (and, yes, "regular" as well), and I'm full for so much longer then I am if I eat steak, or even fish. Which actually adds up to fewer calories, and much less fat, by the end of the day (as well as helping me to maintain a nice healthy blood sugar in conjunction with the protein we all need). :)