For years I have been going out to eat with people who stay away from bread and pasta in fear of gaining weight or at least not losing any, they sit across from me as I eat all of it and look at me curiously and hence the carb conversation begins.

First of all let me qualify this by saying I am a 42 year old female Certified Personal trainer with 16% body fat while I don’t say that to impress you but to impress upon you that carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet when we do the right things as part of a healthy lifestyle.

When you are working with a trainer or fitness professional or if you do your own strength training program carbs are essential part of weight loss, toning and firming and gaining lean muscle mass.  Carbohydrates are what your body needs to build muscle.

For every pound of muscle your body gains it burns 50 calories while at rest.  That is right while at rest.  You heard me you can burn calories while you sleep, they key is carbs and strength training.  To find out what all this means to you stay tuned for Carbohydrates the weight loss myth part II.