Carbohydrate consumption factors
into weight loss goals
November 30, 2004
By Alysha Daytner
Great taste or less filling is an important question
for many students.
Just as important, however, is the amount of carbohydrates
they consume.
November is carbohydrate awareness month and Sue Abney,
a dietician for Purdue University Student Health Center,
agrees that students should be concerned and aware of
carbohydrates, including when they consume alcoholic
beverages, which are high in carbohydrates and empty
calories.
"Students are very surprised to find out how fattening
it can be to drink every weekend. Those empty calories
add up," Abney said. "People who booze it,
may not lose it."
She also added that drinking alcohol can lead to late
night binge eating. The pizza and sandwiches that are
often part of a college student’s diet are high
in carbs, adding to the total amount of carbohydrates
consumed. "I think we are mindlessly noshing on
potato chips and cookies," she said. "All
carbs are not created equal."
The key is selecting healthy carbohydrates.
Abney said, "I think we have to be careful to
eat smarter, meaning that we eat less refined carbs
and more good quality, long-lasting carbohydrates."
She suggests whole grain breads and fresh, rather than
cooked or canned, fruit as part of a healthy diet concerning
carbohydrates.
While carbohydrate awareness has become popular recently,
some think restaurants were too hasty in offering low-carbohydrate
selections.
"I am quite surprised how fast the food industry
has jumped on the low-carb trend," Olivia Wood,
associate professor of food and nutrition, said. "Lots
of times when people eat low carbs, they eliminate all
carbs."
"You can select carbs without excess lipids and
calories, and still get your full compliment of nutrients,"
Wood said.
As far as weight loss is concerned, the advice from
Abney and Wood is still to eat smarter by controlling
portions and eating a variety of foods from all food
groups. Jumping on the low carbohydrate bandwagon may
not be the answer. The weight loss from limiting or
eliminating carbohydrates is not healthy, according
to Wood, especially because the short-term studies conducted
so far have yet to convince her.
While carbohydrate awareness month is almost over,
the holiday season gives plenty of reason to be concerned
with carbohydrates, both food and beverage.
Source:www.purdueexponent.org
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