Carbohydrates have experienced some hostile criticism over the past decade and is still drawing aspersions to this day,with several of the most widely used diets (which shall be left anonymous) in fact not allowing the eating of carbs altogether, this has triggered a widespread exodus by millions of fad dieters to shift toward low/no carb, high protein diets on the perpetual pursuit to overcome the bulge.

The reality is that our bodies need carbohydrates as a necessary basis of fuel, as well as keeping our muscles and organs (e.g. kidneys, nervous system and brain) running efficiently, and delivering much required nutrients. So when you refuse the body of carbohydrates what you’re really doing is eliminating a vital power source.

A carb is not just a carb, and a distinction must be made between alleged "good carbs" and "bad carbs" and how they have an impact on our inner workings. Processed or refined carbs are foods which have been in some way altered by man or machine and in the process destroy much of their dietary benefits, nutrients and natural fiber. These foods are what is known as "empty calories" and are not easily absorbed by our bodies, these basic carbohydrates are converted into energy very rapidly and leave you feeling flat, lethargic and hungry and due to this fact these empty calories may have a substantial impact on the accumulation of surplus body-fat. These foods can also result in an irregularity within our natural hormone levels and also insulin production. Bad carb foods include,products including white flour such as white bread, muffins, bagels as well as white rice, sugar, cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, alcohol and the like.

Good or complex carbohydrates however are different in the fact that they are left as close to their natural state as possible and as a result maintain a high nutritional value. Complex carbohydrates are easily processed by the body but break down a whole lot slower and give a prolonged release of energy in the course of the day. Complex carbohydrates include whole-grains (such as wholegrain bread and cereal) fruit and vegetables, nuts, legumes and beans.

What we are essentially seeking to gain by consuming good carbs is to present the body with a slow acting food source that carries on functioning for hours offering sustained energy while retaining normal blood sugar levels and delivering vital nutrients. The opposite of this is when we eat "bad" prepared carbohydrates our blood sugar levels shoot through the roof as a result of increased glucose production and therefore cause a great deal of concerns including decreased energy, dehydration, headaches, blurry vision and general weariness.

Needless to say common sense has a big part to play in regards to the kinds of foods we eat, and I strongly disagree with depriving yourself of particular food groups altogether and believe the actual answer to healthier eating is finding a good balance.

Maybe the term "bad" carbs could be changed to "unhelpful" carbs, so while that portion of birthday cake or can of soft drink almost certainly isn’t helping much (when talking about weight loss) it’s probably not going to kill you. I strongly feel red meat, dairy, seafood and eggs should certainly have a place among ones diet to retain a nutritional balance. This has to be set within absolute borders e.g. lean/no-fat cuts of meat and low/no fat dairy and certainly eaten in moderation using shrewd portion management. It’s only when these kinds of unhelpful foods are consumed excessively,and for lengthy periods and not using an exercise program that major health and weight problems emanate.

If you observe common sense and balance within your diet there’s no reason why you can’t benefit from a complete array of food types and still maintaining a healthy way of living.