When we hear the word "carbohydrates" there's always a lot of confusion when it comes to dieting. The fact is that carbohydrates are a significant part of most healthy diets. It's not that carbohydrates are "good" or "bad", it's that there are different types.

Carbohydrates come in two forms: Simple and complex. Simple carbs are those found in nutritious foods like fruit and milk, as well as in white sugar. I like to think of fruit, especially dried fruit, as "nature's candy". Complex carbohydrates are also called "starches", and are found in breads, cereals, rice, and pasta.

You want to minimize refined products, like white flour and white rice, which don't have the nutrients and fiber of the originals.

Focus on healthy carbs, not "no" carbs. Choose fruits and vegetables as your main source of carbohydrates. Aim for at least 5 servings each day.

Select starchy carbohydrates that are fiber rich, with products like 100% whole wheat bread, brown rice, and flax pasta. Read the package label for the fiber content and look for at least 3 grams per serving don't be fooled by labels that say "wheat" or a product that looks brown - they're not necessarily a whole grain product.

My bottom line? When you include a variety of "smart" carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can enjoy the occasional indulgence of candy, cakes and other sugary treats.