When I talk to my clients or potential clients, one of the first things they generally tell me is that they have tried to cut out carbs, but it's quite hard to do.

I then tend to smile, and ask them if they really think they can cut out carbs for the rest of their lives. The answer is generally no.

Remember, carbs don't make you fat. And, more importantly, your body needs carbs. What you have to remember is that there are 2 types of carbs:

1. Simple carbohydrates

2. Complex Carbohydrates

The difference between both is how quickly the sugar in the carbs are digested and absorbed. With simple carbs it happens fast, complex carbs are digested and absorbed much slower. The effect on your body is that with single carbs you will feel high for a little while when your sugar levels in your blood is rising (fast) and then you will feel a big dip, which will lead to cravings.

With complex carbs, the sugar is absorbed much slower, and you will feel energised for much longer and won't feel the dip, nor the cravings.

So don't cut out the carbs, just cut out the simple carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, sugar, alcohol, biscuits, cakes, fruit juice, etc) and replace them with complex carbs (oats, wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal rice, barley, sweet potatoes, etc)

BTW, if you are an athlete, you might need simple carbs during exercise or straight after, but there are ways to get those in a better way than just eating sweets.

If you need a review of your diet, I can help you with that. Contact me, Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer Barnet, on 078806279444 or email me at anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk