What is #1starchPerDay?
#1starchPerDay is a rule of thumb—it’s just my recommendation for easy, healthy, moderate carb living. A serving of starch is about 120 calories, which is about 1/2 cup cooked grain (like rice or quinoa), 3/4 cup starchy veg (like corn) and beans, or 1 thick slice of bread or medium tortilla, or a serving of crackers like in the picture below!
Fruit is separate—I also stick with a serving of fruit per day! However, I get most of the nutrients found in fruit from veggies instead, which is super helpful for keeping my daily calories in check.
The reasoning behind this?
Finding the moderate carb approach 10 years ago has helped me EASILY lose those last few pounds and keep that weight off for good. The satiety factor is critical here – we’re often more satiated on protein & fats than we are on carbohydrates – so it’s SO MUCH EASIER to keep calories in check. AND! A moderate carb approach is associated with improved cholesterol levels, improved blood sugar, decreased tummy fat, and 2-3x more weight loss at first compared to low-fat diets.
So why 1 starch per day? This way, we can still easily stick with the moderate carb approach but ALSO make room for our favorite foods – pizza, pasta, ice cream, and dessert! It’s a REALISTIC, moderate carb way of life! More on why moderate carb is beneficial, HERE.
