The food pyramid has Carbohydrates at the base, but too much carbohydrates has too many calories, isn't it?

I am planning on going on a diet. I looked at the food pyramid expecting to see Fruit/veg as the base and i see that's it's carbohydrates! What i don't understand is that carbohydrates e.g. bread has a lot of preservatives in it which means the peice of bread would contain a lot of calories...?!?

I was wondering if you could help me on how many times i should eat carbohydrates everyday and what carbohydrates could i eat that don't contain too many calories?

Thanks..x

Bread doesn't have to be bad. Flip it over and look at the label. Choose ones that are both low in calories and high in Fiber.

My favorites:
Aunt Millie Healthy Life bread - 80 cals for 2 slices, 5g of fiber.
Thomas Light English Muffins - 100 cals with 8g of fiber.
Thomas Mini-Wheat Bagels - 120 cals with 4g of fiber.
Oatmeal - 120 to 160 calories, 3 to 6g of fiber depending on brand, cut, and flavor.

You do need to be eating 6-11 servings of carbs per day. This can be where you get your 25g of fiber that you need to get daily. If your servings average 100 calories each, that's only 600 calories - less than half your daily intake. Remember, even a strict calorie restricted diet will have you eat at least 1200 calories up to 1500 calories. Veggies are really low in calories, so can low-fat/no-fat dairy, and lean meats are low too.

You need carbs - they are the only thing that powers your brain, and the energy keeps you from being sluggish. Look for complex carbs over sugary ones, and get lots of fiber to keep you full.

Good luck!

just dont eat too much bread just some

carbo are high,pasta is to,u need to watch ur intake in this level

You definately should have carbs as a central part of your diet. However, the kind of carbs is key. You want to get what is referred to as complex carbohydrates into your diet. This means looking for "whole grain" (not multi grain, that's a marketing tactic) foods, and foods with tons of fiber. The more fiber, the better, because you will feel fuller, longer. Here is an article that explains in detail everything about carbs, including suggestions on what to eat:

There is a new food pyramid designed by Dr. Barry Sears in which this are the most important aspects:

In the Top are bread, pasta, corn, potatos so you have to eat a few of these.
Next are healthy fat: olive oil, avocados, nuts, penuts, etc. (30 % of your calories)
Next to the bottom of the pyramid low fat protein like meat, chicken, fish and cheese with low fat.(30% of you daily calories)
Next fruits and vegetables (broccoly, tomato, lettuce, onion, apples, oranges (40 % of your daily calories)
At the bottom a lot of water.

I have lost 40 pounds in a year and I feel satisfied with the quantity and quality of the food I eat, that I will use it forever.

the food pyramid was not based with health in mind. it was based on keeping the farming and dairy industries profitable. the US consumes more dairy and grains than any other nation and we have the worst health as compared to any other nation, there may be a slight correlation there.

the body is not designed to accommodate a diet high in processed carbohydrates, they effect blood sugar levels too much. so breads, muffins, etc. should be eaten at a minimum. the majority of carbohydrates should be from whole food sources that are high in fiber like, lentils, beans, whole oats, etc. food items that are still in that natural form.

www.MyPyramid.gov