Veggies - are they free foods? Or does every calorie count? I get conflicting answers. Right now I'm just watching portion, eating better (more fruits and veg.), more water and starting to exercise.

I know that carrots are bad for lo-carb diets but does that apply if your just aiming for balance?

Thanks! -Amy

i think it all depends on what diet you are on... I'm basically counting calories so vegetables count.. and i try to get 7 - 9 servings per day.

Carrots are high in sugar, wich is why low carb diets steer people away from them.. but they are also high in vitamin c, a and beta carotene all of which are good for you.

watching portions is really the smartest way to go when changing your lifestyle -because it's not reallya diet... in the CLUBS thread -a s part of the halloween challenge - check out the week 1 bonus thread on Water.. and how beneficial it is and how much you should be drinking...

Thanks! My first instinct was to just count everything and learn what *normal* portions look like. Sounds like I'm doing the right thing.

When I think about vegetables, I have to think of the big differences in the calories contained in different ones. If you basically steer clear of the ones that are starchy or pack a lot of calories (potatoes, to a lesser degree carrots), and you don't put anything caloric on them, you can eat lots of them without using up all your calories you should be eating in a day. For instance it would be really tough to eat enough brocolli or cabbage (plain) to significantly impact your weight. Some vegetables for me, are a great "safe" food to have around for when I get some cravings and want to just fill up on something. A big varied salad is great for that.

John