I read a study that was published in 2008 that compared the effectiveness of low fatdiets andlower carbohydrate diets. The end results showed that lower in carbohydratedietswere more effective thanlow fat diets. Traditionally the rule of thumb for the ratio of carbohydrates, fats and protiens that a person consumes daily has been 55% carbs,fats 30% and 15% protiens. This study found that by shifting the ratio to 40% carbs, 30% fats and 30% protiens that people had greater weight loss than following a low fat diet. The lower carbohydrate diet combined with cardio and strength training resulted in the greatest change in overall body composition. I want to make sure that you understand that a lower carbohydrate diet is NOT a high protien diet. The theory behind the study suggests thatwhen the food industrybegan to createlow fat foodsthere wasan increase in theconsumption oflow fat/higher carbohydrate foods which has led toan increase of what is called the 'metabolic syndrome'. The metabloic syndrome essentialliy is the bodybecoming insulin resistent which leads to an increase in weight gain. It is too easy to say that 'carbs' arebad when in realityour bodies process carbs really well and our brain uses carbohydrates as it's preferred fuel source. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. The best carbs are complex carbs, carbs that have a high concentraion of fiber. Great sources of complex carbs are whole grains like oatmeal,whole grain or'chunky' breads and brown rice. Fruits andvegetables are anothergreat source of complex carbohydrates as well. Start reading the labels of the foods you buy and do your best to keep away from as manyhigh processed, pre-packaged foods that you can.