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I am skeptical when it comes to supplements. There are so many out there and each one seems to advertise itself as magic in a bottle. I know better: there is no such thing.

I recently learned about “carb-blockers.” Although I eat healthy most of the time, I am REALLY naughty when I get off-track. The idea of taking a pill to counter-act my “all or nothing” nature seems very exciting to me ….so I researched it more.

Carb-Blockers contain Phaselous Vulgaris, which is derived from white kidney beans and seems to counteract a starch-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase.  Supposedly, if you eat starch (bread, corn, potato, wheat, yeast, rice, quinoa, oats, ets), and follow consumption with a carb-blocker, then the carbs you consume will never be absorbed (and never stored), but will instead be carried out of your body through excretion.  This is similar to the process by which fat is carried out of the body following high-fiber consumption.

Although I love supplements, I take less and less these days because supplements do not require FDA approval. No one has confirmed whether starch blockers — or any other supplements — are safe, effective, or contain what the label says is in the bottle. That’s why our market is so inundated with supplements!

I recommend focusing more on non-processed, fiber-rich foods! Kale, spinach, and nutrient-dense greens are a great substitute to starch and you can enjoy way more of them without feeling bloated or guilty for over-eating!

So, stay fit, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay green!