What's The Scoop On Carbs?

Thinking of jumping on the high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet bandwagon and giving up bread, pasta and other favorite high carb foods to lose weight?

Not so fast! Carbohydrates are your body's preferred energy source. Carbohydrate-rich foods, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables form the foundation of the Food Guide Pyramid and provide our bodies with energy, fiber and other nutrients.

Here are some tips to help you and your family choose healthier carbs:

1. Choose 'em, don't lose 'em. Roughly one-half your total calories should come from carbohydrate-rich foods including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Seek advice from your physician regarding carbohydrate intake if you have diabetes, insulin resistance, or high blood triglycerides.
2. Be selective with your breads. Although white bread can fit into a healthy diet, try to choose whole grain breads like whole wheat, oat or bran breads, or whole grain crackers at least twice a day. Toast whole grain bread for breakfast, or for lunch and fill with lean meats, veggies, or peanut butter and jelly. Look for breads with at least 2 grams of fiber per slice.
3. Consider cereal. Choose it for breakfast or a snack. Add low-fat milk and fresh fruit, use it to top low-fat yogurt, or eat it plain. Cereals with 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving are a good source of fiber.
4. Find your way to five a day. Fruits and vegetables offer a variety of nutrients and substances that benefit health. Add some fresh or dried fruit, canned fruit, or cut up veggies and serve with a yogurt dip in your kids' lunch boxes, or have as a mid-day snack at your desk. Have a serving of fruit and vegetable with each meal or snack. Strive to eat five to nine servings each day.
5. Taper your portions. Become familiar with serving amounts by occasionally measuring portions of pasta, rice, and cereals, for example. A serving is generally one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of pasta, and 1 ounce of cereal.
6. Satisfy a sweet tooth. Even a healthy diet has some room for sweets like candy, cookies, or soda. Choose small portions to get the taste without breaking your calorie budget.