When many of us think about bathing suit weather we look at ourselves in the mirror, cringe and decide once again to lose weight. Most of us turn to “diets” for help. Of course, I believe that the one thing that really works over the long haul is a lifestyle change, however, diets can be a guide to what lifestyle changes work. There are the low carb diets, the no carb diets, the raw food diets, Weight Watchers….there are a zillion choices out there. I am going to pick a diet a week and describe them. Let’s start this week with the Good Carb/Bad Carb diet.

Many diets (such as Atkins and the early phase of the South Beach diet) restrict carbohydrates. This diet focuses mainly on not restricting carbohydrates, but rather on eating carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index (those that release sugar slowly into your system). Sugars that are from processed foods (candy, chips, cheese doodles) have a high glycemic index. They release sugar very quickly (these are a no-no). Whole grains, brown rice and beans are considered good carbs and release sugar slowly (these are a yes-yes).

This diet also focuses on the need to eat small meals throughout the day and on eating lean protein. It is basically focusing on a healthy diet. There is a book devoted to the topic: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Carbs-Bad-Indispensable-Optimum/dp/1569245371