Weight loss and carbohydrates

• Grains.
• Legumes (or beans).
• Dairy.
• Fruit.
• Starchy vegetables (such as potatoes, sweet potato, beans, corn).
• Processed or refined foods (such as white bread, white rice, hot chips).
• Sugary sweets (such as biscuits, cakes and lollies).

What is a low-carb diet?

Low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diets are popular because they are based on claims that carbohydrates cause weight gain.

Typical foods eaten on a low-carbohydrate diet include – beef, chicken, bacon, fish, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, and fats (such as oils, butter and mayonnaise).

Risks of low-carb diets

Very low-carb diets tend to restrict healthy food choices and may be:

• High in saturated fat.
• Nutritionally inadequate because they are low in thiamine, folate, vitamins A, E and B6, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium.
• Low in fiber.
• Missing important antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Healthy way to lose weight

A healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, legumes and low-fat dairy products, and moderate in fat and kilojoules balanced with daily physical activity, is the best way to lose weight and keep it off.