The Daily Turn On! Do Carbs Make You Fat?

Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Everyday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will awaken your mind, your body and your life!

Did you know ... Carbohydrates are the best source for obtaining more life energy. Experts point out that if all carbohydrates were responsible for obesity, countries that consume the greatest amount of carbs as a percentage of calories in their diet, would suffer the most. Yet this is not the case. Residents of third world countries who tend to consume less protein and fat in their diet, are relatively unscathed by obesity, Also, in Japan, carbohydrates compose the majority of daily caloric intake. High carb foods like grains, rice and vegetables are daily staples of the Japanese diet, and intake of high-protein, high-fat animal products is minimal. In contrast to the "horrors" of carbohydrates as described by promoters of some of the almost no-carb diets, Japan has one of the lowest rates of obesity, heart disease, cancer and diabetes in the world. This indicates the types of carbs eaten can have a dramatic effect on health.

Action Tips:

• Switch to whole grain breads, pasta, brown rice and tortillas, and pass up their refined cousins. Consume at least half of your carbohydrates from whole grain sources.
  
• Be sure to obtain a minimum of six servings per day to eleven maximum.
  
• Calculate your daily caloric intake, and figure 55 to 70percent of those carbohydrate calories.
• Don't eat refined, sugary foods every day. Use them as treats for special occasions or in a weekly designated treat day.