Are carbs really all that bad, for someone trying to lose weight?

Ok, let's start with the facts. There are 3 major macronutrients: carbs, protein and fats. Each play an important role in our bodies daily functioning. We wouldn't survive long term if we had none of one of these macronutrients. Carbs are not only our primary source of energy, but they are responsible for brain function, as well as many other vital daily functions. So, they are not at all bad. There are many theories on the best way to lose weight. Limiting carbs has been a recent fad. Years ago limiting fat was the fad. Going back to the facts. The human body will lose weight when we consume fewer calories than we burn each day and gain weight when we consume more calories than we burn each day. Simple math right there. However, there are other things that can contribute, but to a lesser extent than overall calories. This can include th balance of macronutreints. A person who eats very high carb meals with little in the way of protein and fat is going to lose weight at a slightly slower rate than the person who nicely balances their meals with some carbs, some protein and a little bit of fat. Other contributors can be quality of food (junk vs. fresh, healthy foods), and timing. Eating your largest meal of the day and then being innactive for 3 hours is not productive for weight loss. Your best bet if you want to lsoe weight is to consume fewer claories than you burn but not too few, balance meals with carbs, protein and fat, and eat small, frequent meals. Please let me know if I can help more. Sarah Brown www.sarahpersonaltraining.com

You would be better figuring out a well-round eating plan that involves all the food groups and a reasonable amount of calories plus an exercise schedule to lose weight. Its not good to cut out any one thing like carbs, because your body still needs them.

It's confusing because so many people claim to have the answers, and they differ. Personally I don't see the harm, as long as it isn't in large quantities. But to loose weight, one must take in less calories and eat lots of veggies and drink a lot of water too.

We all need a little carbs in our diet. i have done the low carb diet before. Once you strt eating carbs again it's easy to gain weight back. I need to go back to it I guess but i see your point. Meats have fat in them also.

OK I have no idea about carbs period so I figured after I read your post I would do some web searching. All I could find that might be helpful for you was this website. I hope it helps alittle bit. http://diet.ivillage.com/plans/plowcarb/0,,2sk,00.html

Our body needs the right amount of carbs, proteins and fats as i know our body needs carb for energy... even you dont eat carbs..but overeats fatty foods...you might increase the fat percentage on your body..same as overeating protein foods... I guess the proper way to achieve your ideal body is to eat right and exercise regularly.... thanks :)

Well obviously you are a vegan, but there is a certain protein in meat that is unavailable in soybeans, so I hope you take a supplement. It is not all carbs, but carbs in excess and certain kinds of carbs. For someone who is diabetic or leans that way, just cutting out fat and cutting down on meats won't do. They have to cut down on white breads, white rice, and use whole wheat flour, whole grains, brown rice instead. Eating meat with lots of fat is bad and besides the only meat one should have should come from grass fed animals and from wild fish not raised in ponds where they are fed a diet and not allowed to catch anything. I have never been on a Dr. Atkins, well because I love fruits, and salads too much, but I am trying to cut out the bad carbs and having success but I also walk and exercise, but I am not going to cut out meat, just make sure it is not too salty.