THE MYTH
Give up bread and pasta and the pounds will melt away.
THE TRUTH
Low-carb eating plans are a digestive nightmare, because they don't provide enough fiber, which frequently results in severe constipation, says Maye Musk, RD, a New York City-based dietitian. Healthy carbs are also crucial for energy. Stop eating them and you're likely to feel tired and grumpy all the time.
THE FIX
Eat good-for-you carbs. To make sure you get the nutrients you need, add four servings to your daily diet, suggests Musk. Try a slice of whole-grain bread, one-half cup cooked oatmeal, one-third cup brown rice and one-half cup whole-wheat pasta. Piling your plate with fiber-rich veggies such as spinach, broccoli, peas and asparagus can also help get things moving. (Legumes such as soybeans and lentils are also good fiber sources.) If that doesn't work, pour yourself a bowl of low-sugar, high-fiber cereal, such as All-Bran With Extra Fiber. Just one-quarter cup will supply you with more than six grams.
