At some point, calorie intake meets the lower body-weight needs and weight loss stops. More often, people start coveting foods such as baked potatoes, watermelon or corn on the cob. Contrary to popular opinion, carbohydrates are necessary to our health because these foods provide energy, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products are high-carbohydrate foods that are essential to our good health. Whole grains such as breads and cereals are high in fiber.
Fiber helps lower blood cholesterol.
Fruits and vegetables, also carbohydrate sources, contain fiber and phytochemicals, which may help fight off heart disease and cancer. Carbohydrates can easily make up 45 percent to 60 percent of a balanced, healthy, weight-reducing diet. For example, if carbohydrates make up 50 percent of a 1,500-calorie diet, that is equivalent to 187 grams. In addition, there is loss of possible protection from cancer and heart disease. The good news about the low-carbohydrate diet is that you consume fewer sugars and junk foods, which really contribute many empty calories to the diet.