Apparently not too much! 

The overall percentage of Americans following diets like Atkins and South Beach is in decline as consumers are realizing that there is more to successful long-term weight loss than simply abstaining from carbohydrates. Weight loss is more about life style and total calories consumed each day. 

There is no question, we need to reduce the amount of refined and processed sugar we consume.  However, we don't need to stop eating whole grain cereals and breads, fruits, vegetables and legumes which are all valuable sources of energy and nutrients for peak athletic performance. 

Instead of eating fewer carbohydrates (whole grain breads and cereals and fruits and vegetables) Try eating smaller and fewer portions.  We are the "Super Sized" Society! We eat "Monster" burgers yielding almost 1600 calories, large fries with 440 calories, slices of double cheese pizzas having more than 475 calories, and "Big Gulp" drinks supplying more than 350 calories.  Some want you to believe that you must eliminate sugar and starches entirely from the diet in order to lose weight and improve overall health.  Are you going to be fooled in to believing that it is foods like a medium-sized baked potato with 190 calories that is responsible for our society's health issues and obesity problems? Unfortunately, it is not that simple!  The growing incidence of obesity and other health-related issues are the result of eating too much food (good & bad) and a living a sedentary, stressful lifestyle.  Control your portion sizes and get up and get busy!!!