Ask 10 people their view on eating carbohydrates and weight loss, and more than likely you will get 10 different answers.To begin with, carbohydrates are not bad.  You need to eat them in combination along with protein, fruits, and vegetables.  Carbohydrates supply your body with energy to do daily tasks such as keeping your heart beating, your lungs breathing and muscles moving to do things such as getting up our of a chair.  They are also the flame that burns fat when you exercise.

The problem lies in the fact that Americans consume way too many processed carbohydrates such as: donuts, cereals, muffins, crackers, pasta, white breads, chips, and sodas.  Even when you work out hard, it is difficult to lose body fat if you continue to eat these foods.  These processed foods cause rapid blood sugar increases and then drops.  Thus, you have more cravings for food.  These foods with the high sugar / flour content get directly deposited as fat.

When shopping for good carbohydrates, read the food label.  Even things marketed as whole grain can be misleading.  If the first ingredient is refined flour, well then it is not actually whole grain.

Focus your carbohydrate intake on truly whole grain or multi grain products such as whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.  Another great carbohydrate source is from increased fruit and vegetable intake.

Look for products that have the bran or germ portion of the grain listed in the ingredients.  This would be in the form of oat-bran or wheat germ.  They are high in fiber and thus keep you filling full longer.  If you truly need that carbohydrate fix in your diet, try nuts and seeds. 

Eating healthy is more about moderation and balance with your food choices and not completely eliminating a needed nutrient such as carbohydrates.