HCB's Journal, 01 December 2012

Hi, I just don't believe this carb-thing. It's like some kind of “placebo effect” to people. Like tapping on certain parts of your body will take your hunger away. I agree one should reduce refined and processed carbohydrates, but there are good carbohydrates too... I read on the net you should get 45-65% of your daily calories from carbohydrates. 

I agree Ryan - I do eat carbs in fruit, veggies and dairy. The refined carbs are what I am talking about here - have you read the book "Wheat Belly"?  

No I haven't :) 

I don't agree with Ryan, but only for what works for me. We are all different in our responses to different kinds of food. I seem to be especially sensitive to carbs of any kind. If you measure blood sugar levels, eating an apple or eating a "bad carb" will have the same insulin effect. Your body doesn't really know the difference. I went on Weight Watchers a few years ago and used my points on mostly fruit and some of those packaged desserts they sell. I didn't lose any weight, even though I was within my points. I didn't understand why, but now I do. However, I don't think any of us got fat eating too many apples.  

Didn't get fat eating too many apples! LOL - I limit my "good" carbs most of the time, too. I find I need the fiber from fruits and veggies. 

I beg to differ with Djburney - when the glycemic index of apples are measured by testing the blood of a "real person" the raise in blood sugar is much less than when the same subject eats "bad carbs" like potatoes or bread. I like refer to the GI index before selecting which carbs to consume.  

I agree with BuffyBear. Something else to consider here: The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health. Low GI diets have been shown to improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). They have benefits for weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. Low GI diets also reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance. Recent studies from Harvard School of Public Health indicate that the risks of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease are strongly related to the GI of the overall diet. In 1999, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recommended that people in industrialised countries base their diets on low-GI foods in order to prevent the most common diseases of affluence, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity.  

Thanks for the posting, HCB! I've been confused about the carb issue myself & see from the comments that the debate continues. What I do know though is I always feel better on a sunny day, & now more than ever, will get out to enjoy that sunshine whenever possible! 

Thanks for reposting this journal. Very interesting. We had no sunshine today - just clouds! Luckily it is Saturday and just not having to go to work makes my day sunnier:) 

Interesting conversation and debates. 

I knew I'd hear it about the apples! I don't disagree with you, there is a difference in how fast blood sugar rises, but I guess my point was that all carbs make your blood sugar go up, at least a little. I really do get the difference between an apple and apple pie. I'm just so darn sensitive to it, I think I gain weight and have an insulin response just thinking about apple pie! 

Wow that is some greeat advise I will look in to that and also try eatting my carbs early like you were saying. I know this past month has been very hard for me 

I have cut out a lot of breads too..it really helps..Thanks for posting this...:O)