I have started back on my workout routine &.. (long)

eating healthier. I am not going to the gym anymore so I am very limited on the equipment I have. I have Pilates tapes. I don't have any weights at home just yet but I am doing toning moves with cans. I have been doing abs too. I want to start walking once my ankle is better. I also have Tae Bo tapes but due to my ankle I really can't put too much pressure on my foot. I only started last week so I haven't seen much of an improvement.

I notice that when I don't eat many carbs (rice, pasta and bread) I don't have a bulge. My stomach is flatter than usual. How do I cut these puppies out of my diet? The worst is that my mom ALWAYS makes white rice. Its a must have at my house. She does also make beans often but not as much as I would like her to.
Can I substitute the pasta with whole grain pasta instead? I do not eat meat nor chicken so I am limited on the protein intake. I do eat salmon and tuna frequently.
Is having the 12-grain bread okay instead of white?
Is having brown rice okay too?

Now my big question is where do I find brown rice if I can still eat this? Can I get it at supermarkets or do I have to go to Trader Joe type of place?

Suggestions welcomed. Thanks!

Hey Wanda ... ... I think I may be able to help you out a little. The trick is to limit carbs but the carbs that you do it should not be refined. The higher the insulin level the more insulin your body will produce and the more you need to burn it off. I, too, am sensitive to carbs - if I cut them out, I am leaner ... but I tell you it's the hardest thing.

Check out food labels ... not all wheat/whole grain bread is actually wheat bread. The first ingredient should not be enriched flour, it should say wheat or whole grain. The more fiber the lower the insulin response. White rice is a definitely no-no and even some beans.

Check out on the web a listing of glycemic index of foods... if you can't find it ... I have one a home somewhere. For instance, you'll learn that some fruits are high in carbs vs. others (i.e. banana vs. strawberries(high in fiber, low in carbs) and it's all dependent on this number.

Maybe protein bars, shakes can be a good way to add some protein into your diet.

I tend to follow the Zone/Body for Life diet (similar, it's just that Body for Life is easier to explain) - so it's a good balance of carbs, protein and fat. I think, from experience, that it's bad to eliminate carbs altogether, so moderation is definitely key.

Let me know if you need anything else!