Carbohydrate Controlled Diet Basics

Even though diets that focus on eliminating or drastically reducing the consumption of all carbohydrates have gone out of fashion, there are many health and weight loss benefits associated with carb controlled diets. Dieters and leading diet experts have come to realize that the human body needs carbohydrates to function properly, and so drastically reducing overall carbohydrate consumption is not the best way to lose weight.

Carb Controlled Versus Low Carb

Carbohydrate controlled dieting is all about making food choices that are healthy. The strict low carb diets that have now fallen somewhat out of favor didn't differentiate between "good" and "bad" carbohydrates, and instead focused on reducing all carb consumption. Modern carb controlled diets recognize that foods containing complex carbohydrates, are essential for good nutrition and healthy weight loss.

Guidelines for Carb Controlled Food Choices

There is a big difference between carb controlled dieting and low carb dieting. When you go on a carb controlled diet, you will continue to eat certain carbohydrates, while limiting your intake of other kinds of carbohydrates. A carb controlled diet emphasizes the importance of eating complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are high in fiber and rich in the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health.

When following a carb controlled diet for weight loss, you should restrict consumption of refined carbohydrates, which come from foods that tend to be high in calories, and low in nutritional value. Sugary foods such as candy, cookies, cake, and certain cereals are examples of the types of things one should avoid on this type of diet. Additionally, dieters should avoid white flour, potatoes, and rice, instead choosing whole grain flour, yams or sweet potatoes, and brown rice.

Carb Controlled Diet Programs

There are a number of diet programs and books on the market that provide guidelines for carbohydrate controlled dieting. One of the easiest ways to learn the principles of carbohydrate controlled dieting is to learn everything you can about diabetic diets. The best nutritional program for diabetics is a carb controlled program, and following nutritional recommendations for diabetics is actually a healthy way of eating for everyone. Other popular diets that emphasize carbohydrate controlled eating include the South Beach Diet and the F-Factor Diet.

Whether you're trying to lose weight, or simply want to make healthy food choices, it's always better to choose complex carbohydrates than refined carbohydrates. Keep in mind that white flour and refined sugar are not listed anywhere on the food pyramid, which indicates that they are not necessary for a nutritious, balanced diet. Diets that are rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein sources are ideal examples of carbohydrate controlled eating programs for weight loss and healthy eating.