Carb Crazed?

Some people have what I consider a food kryptonite or a weakness when it comes to certain things in the kitchen. This is why dieting becomes an issue. The individual going through it feels like they are being deprived of something that is important to them and even end up being cranky. The effects are sometimes comparable to someone who is going through nicotine fits when they quit smoking. I know I've talked about this before in earlier posts, but hey guess what it still applies, which is good because that means that everything I've been posting is pretty legit (yay!!!!).

I came across something in my P90X newsletter written by Whitney Provost. Her article is entitled The Carb Lover's Diet: 4 Tips for Losing Weight without Losing Your Mind. Provost talks about how she is torn between wanting to be lean and fit and wanting to eat warm breads and cinnamon buns. It is possible to have both according to Provost and she gives the following 4 tips for just this!

Carbs are essential for the body, but like everything else they should be done in moderation. Carbs fuel muscles and cells in the body so that the body can function. Low carb diets are certainly a great way to jump start weight loss, but for some of us this is never going to be a great way for us to live (Provost and myself too would agree!). Provost says that when she goes low-carb she is "murderous within a week" and since we can't be having none of that this is what she suggests:

1.) Eat plenty of good carbs:


First, be sure that the majority of the carb intake consists of the "so-called good carbs", which would be things like oats, brown rice, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and beans (some of Provost's favorites). She also says that she eats "plenty of vegetables, and even fruit (OMG!)". These foods contain high ammounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. They cause you to have a lot of energy because they are energy boosters! Thus making you feel full longer!

"I'll be the first to admit that I'm not immune to the lure of cookies and candy, but I've learned through a lot of trial and error that these things don't make me feel very good once the initial sugar rush wears off," said Provost.  "Since I'd rather be alert than snoozing at my desk in the afternoon, I just can't eat like that too often. Besides, too many treats and I don't fit into my pants. Not a bonus."

2.) Eat most carbs early in the day and around workouts- This is a great way to start one's day because they normally just make you feel better.

"When I start my day with some satisfying carbs and protein, I just feel better", said Provost. "Oatmeal with a little protein powder added at the end, and I'm off to a pretty good start. I also like to eat some carbs around my workouts. If I'm hungry, I'll eat a piece of fruit or some berries with fat-free Greek yogurt about an hour before I train. Afterward I'll have a whey protein shake with fruit. Dinnertime usually means chicken and a large salad, although I do love pasta with marinara sauce, or even cheese, crackers, and fruit. So whatever choice I make, I just eat it and enjoy it. The next day, I'll probably eat more vegetables and protein to balance things out a bit."

3.) If you feel like you have to eat it, then just do it!- What??? This is absolutely crazy right? Not according to Provost she talks about how if she is craving a hot fudge sundae then she eats it.

"I'm serious—when I decide I simply must have ice cream, I eat enough to be satisfied and then I move on. The difference is that I usually substitute that treat for whatever healthy meal I'd eat around the same time. So if the only suitable dinner choice is a hot-fudge sundae, so be it. (For obvious reasons, this cannot be a frequent occurrence. Besides, it tastes soooo much better when you really want it),"said Provost.

4.) Is it possible to eat what you want and still lose?- Of course it is so long as you are burning more than you are consuming. The only thing is like I've talked about in the past it is important to realize that certain foods assist you in your workouts and energy levels and some work against you so obviously you don't want to eat bad all the time because it's just not beneficial to you and your goals. Provost says in her article when she needs to lose weight she eats the same as before, just watches her portions. She says that way she still gets everything she desires without the feeling of deprivation. She said she also pumps up her workout so that she's burning more calories.

If you are bumping up your workouts it is beneficial for you to have consumed good goods and not just junk. Where I see what she is saying it is also important to know that if you are not following a good diet it will take longer to see results, but it may help you keep your sanity so it is important for you to figure out what works for you.

"If you're like me, you love to eat all kinds of carbs," said Provost. "But I know that in order to be as lean as I want, I need to make good choices most of the time and keep up with my workouts. As much as I'd love to eat bread and butter all day long, I wouldn't look or feel very good. I often stop and ask myself what's more important, this bowl of pasta or fitting into my skinny jeans again? One decadent meal will not derail a week's worth of healthy eating. It may slow down my progress, that's true, but I'll get where I want to be eventually. And even better, I'll be healthy, happy, and sane!"

How do you feel about Provosts ways of dieting? Do you think this is something you could do? Let me know.