Carbs are vey important to me. I am a huge believer in replenishing glycogen stores every few days in order to keep my workouts strong and my cardio up. I've read a few articles recently saying that building up glycogen stores is "overrated" or can be done easier than one thinks. But, seriously, what are they trying to advocate? That you can get by with an all protein diet. Carbs have been viewed by the general public as "bad" since the Atkins fling. The problem is, the carbs that are "bad" like simple sugars give all the good carbs a bad name as well. Pasta is one of my favorite refueling carbs. When I'm low on energy or need a boost a few hours before a tough workout, I'll slam a big bowl of pasta with some olive oil and a little romano cheese. After I'm finished with the workout, It doesn't even feel like I ate anything. It's all about timing your meals and making them count. The biggest problem for most people is time and convenience. Well, I would say to them, find the time to be convenient....don't give in to the "snacks" that are single handedly making us the fattest nation on earth. Sure, it's fine to eat all day long, but not "snack" on flaming hot cheetos and twinkies. Need an energy drink? Eat some fruit instead if you're craving those simple sugars. You can change your diet, your body will begin to crave good food if that's what you start to fuel it with.
I believe that all diets should start with a "cleansing" phase. People are so instant gratification driven these days that it jus makes sense. A good bit of weight can be lost in the first period of a "diet" while eating foods high in fiber combined with the use of digestive enzymes. Unless you have a ridiculously high metabolism to begin with, Digestive Enzymes can be your best friend...cutting and bulking!
Ok, I'm done ranting...seriously, look into a bunch of different options and mix and match. Not every diet plan is a one size fits all deal. You have to pick and choose what you think you can handle. Because, in reality, "If you're on a diet, you're just in it to try it"...."Make eating good a lifestyle, and you'll hang around awhile"
Cheers