When I counsel either casual exercisers or competitive athletes, I ask them what they typically eat in a day. I then do a more thorough food intake, gathering details of all that they eat, More often then not, they “try to stay away from” bagels, crackers, pasta, juice and other “carbs.” I ask them “Why?” With embarrassment, they mumble, “Because they’re fattening.” The athletes know in their intelligent minds this is not true, but somehow they have fallen victim to fad diets.

If you are among those who “try to stay away from carbs”, think again. Remember that carbs are NOT fattening (excess calories are fattening) and that carbs should be the foundation of each meal because they fuel your workouts. I invite you to enjoy bagels, sandwiches and pasta – and also enjoy higher energy during your workouts.

If you want more information about carbs/weight, please read the chapter on how to lose weight and have energy to exercise in my new 2008 Sports Nutrition Guidebook (www.nancyclarkrd.com). Do you really want  to never enjoy potato or pasta again???