Step Awaaaaay From the Carbs

My working place had a Biggest Loser Challenge which ended last month.  Guess what.  I won.  I lost 21 pounds.  I did it by staying away from rice, noodles, potatoes, breads and desserts.  When I went for a whole month without losing any weight, I added fruits to the list. It actually shocked me that I lost any weight at all.  Back in my younger days, I used to exercise A LOT, and I never lost as much weight as this.  

Here's the low down. The Institute of Medicine says that carb needs vary in individuals but they recommend that women consume at least 130 grams of carbs daily.  While dieting I probably did around 50 max.  But beware . . . they say consuming too few carbs could result in mental fatigue, dizziness, headaches, weakness and nausea.  Luckily, I never experienced any of that.  

I compiled a small list, so that you can get an idea of carb content in some foods. It's kinda surprising . . . look at a banana and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream  . . . almost da same, and the banana got more carbs than a medium sugar doughnut.  *insert big eyes*

167    Zippy's spaghetti plate

103    Jamba Juice Orange Dream (24 oz.)

61    medium blueberry muffin

48    medium french fries

47    coke (16 oz.)

46    Subway club sandwich(6 inch)

45    1 cup rice, brown/white

37    medium potato

32    1 cup vanilla ice cream

27    medium banana

25    medium apple

25    Zippy's chili (8 oz.)

24    1 cup peanuts

23    medium doughnut, sugar

21    1 cup watermelon, diced

16    1 cup grapes

13    1 cup avocado, cubed

6    1 cup broccoli, chopped