starches and grains

Starch makes up the largest layer of the food pyramid, and so it should make up the largest part of your diet.

Starchy foods include breads, grains, potatoes and rice, and should provide up to 60% of your daily calories.

Not all starches are equal however, and it is important to opt for unrefined, natural food wherever possible. White bread and pasta have the same effect on your body as white, refined sugar - your blood-sugar levels will rise sharply and then plummet as your body starts to produce the hormone insulin.

This has the effect of shunting the carbohydrate into storage and if your glycogen cells are full, it will be stored as fat.

Whole grain starch has the added advantage that it hasn't had its fibre removed. Fibre is essential for keeping the colon clear and our bowel movements regular. It also makes you feel full quicker and for longer as it cannot be digested by our bodies.