Are you beginning to understand why many of us are having a problem becoming "unfat"? Why cholesterol levels are increasing even when eating a low fat diet? These are some of the common unexplained issues facing those of us who have been following guidelines established 10 to 15 years ago. Many now believe weight problems are the result of high level sugar consumption, not the amount of fat ingested. Unfortunately, people are then led to believe that a diet high in protein (high saturated fat diet) and low in carbohydrates is healthy. Based on good science there appears to be a solid link between the sugar-insulin-body connection (not to be confused with fad diets advocating high saturated foods).

Does this mean we should abandon eating fruits and vegetables? Of course not. Old wisdom mandated limiting simple sugars and loading-up on complex sugars. We now understand there are insulin-stimulating carbohydrates that need to be modified. A partial list includes: potatoes, white bread, refined sugar, white rice, carrots, corn, raisins. Low insulin producing foods include: beans, green vegetables, peas, peanuts, peaches, plums.

For all "carbohydrate junkies," these are not happy times. We were doing so well on our low fat diets. Yet many have become insulin resistant and/or suffer from hyperinsulinemia.

Before you throw in the towel or adopt an attitude of "Why bother trying, they will come up with a new theory next month!"; think about how you conquered your enormous fat consumption. You were able to successfully modify, limit and substitute your fat intake. Certainly, we can also learn to modify some of those insulin producing carbs. As for the "new theory next month" attitude, I can only hope we are smarter today than we were yesterday and will continue to improve our knowledge base. Only continuous research will provide relevant information to enhance health and well being.