The Good Carbs - Whole Grains
Originally uploaded by austin-hypnosis

There are some things I say over and over again in my weight loss program:

1. White flour carbs and sugar cause weight gain and a host of other health problems

2. Whole grain carbs are the good guys. They aid digestion, strengthen the heart and do not cause an insulin rush (i.e., weight gain). Look for the word "whole" when buying whole grain breads. "Multi-grain" is not necessarily "whole grain." Neither is "All Natural Wheat." Food companies try to confuse us. Look for the words "whole grain" or "whole wheat."

3. Try some new whole grains. Some of my favorites are whole wheat cous cous and quinoa (in bulk bags in the photo). They are quick to make and delicious. Quinoa especially has a slightly nutty flavor.

Many people still eat a lot of potatoes. It's part of the American Way, or the American Weigh, to eat steak and potatoes. They come in the form of hash browns, french fries, potato salad and baked potatoes. I grew up eating potatoes too, but now it is one food that I stay away from completely. I have been known to pick the potatoes out of a stew or a soup and to ask for substitutions at restaurants. Frankly, you couldn't make me eat a potato. That's because they are worse for you gram for gram than table sugar. Harvard nutrition researcher and author Walter Willett, M.D.* has said again and again that

"Actually, careful studies have shown, demonstrated that you get a bigger rise in blood sugar after eating potatoes, a baked potato, say, than you do from eating pure table sugar."

Yams on the other hand are just fine to eat...assuming they aren't drowned in marshmallows! Be well!

* Dr. Walter Willett is the author of the excellent book, Eat, Drink and Be Healthy.

Copyright 2007 Wellspring Hypnosis ® - Austin, Texas

September Newsweek listed risk factors for disease-related mortality. Low fruit and vegetable intake is a risk factor for diseases, including cancer! The pigments in fruits and vegetables have many health benefits. Pomegranates are now in season and that deep red pigment does wonder for the heart and for hormonal balance!

... And How We Die
Top seven risk factors for disease.

Copyright 2006 Wellspring Hypnosis ®