What is a carbohydrate anyway?!

Dictionary!.com defines a carbohydrate as:

"Any of a group of organic compounds that includes sugars, starches, cellulose, and gums and serves as a major energy source in the diet of animals!. These compounds are produced by photosynthetic plants and contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in the ratio 1:2:1!."

In the 90s, low fat dieting resulted in high carbohydrate diets due to a plethora of snacks that touted their low or no fat ingredients!. Unfortunately these fats were frequently replaced by sugar and starch and America's weight kept increasing!.

This continued increase of our waistlines caused us to search for an alternative and the Low Carbohydrate, High Protein diet craze began in the early 2000s with the rediscovery of the Atkins diet!. In his clinic, Dr!. Atkins utilized an extremely low carbohydrate diet, which was followed rigorously, until a healthy weight was achieved!. At that point, some carbs could be allowed back into the diet!.

Other diet theories, such as those using a glycemic index, claim that some carbohydrates affect the body differently from others!. Starchy and sugary foods trigger our insulin to rise quickly, while higher-fiber foods have a slower effect on our blood sugar, called glucose!. The "high glycemic carbs" are to be avoided and the

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