We eat it often too. I don't see what the big deal is. I just stay away from the normal pasta, the white stuff, whatever you call it. I eat potatoes all the time too....So based on these experiences, I just can't agree with alot of the carbophobic ideas floating around.
It just seems as if the heaviest and most unsuccessful people are obsessed with steering clear of carbs, while the more fit and successful people eat them all the time. Why is that? Some may say that it's genetics and that they can get away with that naturally, but I think that this is the exception and not the rule.
Good point!
I have something to say about this: there is a WORLD of difference between simple carbs and complex carbs. Simple carbohydrates are often high in calories, low in nutrients (usually, ok!), and low in fiber. This equals the high risk of over-eating them. You just don't feel full! Also, carbohydrate comsumption spawns seretonin release--that happy-go-lucky, feel-good neurotransmitter. Why? Perhaps because:
THE HUMAN BRAIN
ONLY USES CARBOHYDRATES AS FUEL
Therefore, it's only natural for our bodies to crave it, right? Otherwise our brain couldn't function properly. It's safe to say a low-carbohydrate diet will make you stupid
For some people, especially depressed people with chemical imbalances (and depressed people OFTEN tend to get overweight, not all but many), this euphoric feeling is addicting. And simple-carb food tastes very good usually--a lot of it is loaded with sugar and salt, or has a great texture (think Franchese Bread, mmmh!). SO for some people, simple carbs are dangerous waters.
These people need to realize that they will be FINE and lose weight if they just traded in the simple for the complex. No one ever got fat off of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains (well, I doubt it! If so they're probably not being honest with themselves). Complex carbs are VERY filling. Add some protein in there (legumes, meat, fish) and you will feel satiated--and great! Most likely, your brain chemistry may start to become normal again. Because cimple carbs also create a high and crash of neurotransmitters. Put in too much sugar and the whole insulin-working-overtime and you're in a bad place.
OK, I said my piece--eat those carbs! Just make sure they're complex, and keep the simple to a minimum, and at last have them with protein or something.
