Did you know that there are no bad carbs? Only "bad" ways to eat them, which is usually in an abundance at one time.

See, there are two basic categories of carbs: "fast" carbs (like bread, pasta, wine and desserts) and "slow" carbs (broccoli, beans, peas and tomatoes). The bad rap that fast carbs have gotten are primarily due to the glycemic index, but as you learned in a previous blog titled "Glycemic What?" you can't rely on this measurement because you don't always eat everything listed on the glycemic index in the amounts of 50 grams of carbs. If you did, that would mean eating 3 ½ slices of bread or one pound of carrots in a single meal.

What we do know however, is that if you reduce your carbs because of your concerns with how they measure on the glycemic index, not only will you be missing out on delicious and nutritious food - you may experience low energy, reduced mental clarity and find yourself rarely satisfied when it comes to feelings of satiety. Matter of fact, UCLA studies have shown that combining fast carbs, slow carbs and protein increases production of the appetitite-suppressing hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 by 20 percent and boost hunger controlling hormone cholecystokinin.

There are other studies that suggest that carb combining can lower blood pressure by 20 percent, cut triglycerides by 75 percent and reduce diabetes risk by 67 percent. So as you are less likely to feel hungry because you're eating carbs, you can also keep in mind that you are eating formerly forbidden food, but doing so in a way where you can reduce your waistline and upgrade your overall health and well-being.

This is your time to never diet again and enjoy your favorite carbs without the guilt. Here is another reason why you want to put into practice the principles of the Food Lovers Fat Loss System: Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond found that people wanting to lose weight who ate breakfast containing protein and carbs lose four times more than people who choose to go with a low-carb (low glycemic index) way of eating.

When it's all said and done, the key to maximizing life and your waistline is eating foods you love, but in proportions that support the body you want versus that of a diet yo-yo. Continue to take what you learn with Food Lovers and put into practice. As I always share with my clients, "It's not what you know, but what you put into practice that will provide you with the results you desire."

In Health,

Robert Ferguson, M.S., C.N.