We just can't get enough of carbohydrates.  We're not just referring to rice, bread, and pasta, we are also looking at fruits, nuts, and flavored drinks. Some may disagree with the notion that majority of United States, along with its territories are addicted to carbs. Let's take a closer look-shall we?

We eat pasta and have bread on the side. On Guam, we eat pasta, bread and rice on the side. Going to KFC?  That's Red Rice, Mac & Cheese, Mash Potatoes, Corn or Biscuit Bread on the side. Ok, it'll be too overwhelming to go into the fiesta plates. Did we mention dessert?  Get the drift yet? 

Many believe cutting rice alone eliminates carbs from their diet, but they fail to account for the other foods or liquids that are consumed throughout the day. Keep in mind that majority of the food we eat have some type of carbohydrate. Although lowering your carb intake does help, the types of carbs you eat and how it is prepared makes a bigger difference. 

The primary reason we cut carbs from our diet is for fat lost.  The key to fat burning is not necessarily to cut carbs out completely; instead, make better choices of carbs and consume the right amount to fuel your immediate need for energy.  According to Dr. Gregory S. Ellies, author of Control of the Food to Make Energy, "Many people believe that carbohydrates is the primary fuel for the body. However, this belief is not true. The primary fuel for the body is fat." Therefore, it is important to limit and control the types of carbohydrates you eat. Because fat is the primary source of fuel for the body, "consume foods that are high in protein and both essential fatty acids," J.Robb author of The Fat Burning Diet. 

It is difficult to break your addiction to carbohydrate.  Success will be based on your determination and discipline.  There is a higher chance of failing with the "I'm missing out" mindset.  The psychological challenge can be overcome when you set your mind on what you will gain out of it. As for the physical challenges, give it about 7-10 days for your body to adjust to the new style of eating. 

Creating a balanced diet will be the first step towards managing your food intake. Identifying carbs as either complex or simple is important when making choices. Keep in mind that fruits and veggies are carbs and they must be accounted for as well. On the bottom of the page are examples of different carbs, which should be the primary sources of your carb consumption.  Most of the time it is the most confusing part of creating a healthier choice; therefore, I've only listed 5 items for each category.

Ideally you would want to find out how many grams of carbs your body needs depending on your goal. Knowing this can actually program your daily food intake and this will automatically start the process of breaking down the other macronutrients your body needs; protein and fat.