Jiffy,
I can understand why they want you to eat more carbs. They want you to have a normal life style without feeling deprived. Be "Choosie" with your carb selections. Whole grain breads/crackers, whole grain rice.....rice gives me trouble, fruits and veggies. I would stay away from lots of pasta or empty carbs. Maybe look at the Protein Bars that have some Carbs in them. I eat cereal sometimes at breakfast. I watch the amt I eat and how often I eat cereal, but it makes a good change.
If you are doing an excercise program the Carbs won't effect you. But I would keep a Food Diary, then if you notice a weight gain or any other problem you will be able to pin point it easier. I would also only add one new thing at a time. Kinda like a Baby, to see how it effects you. Rice is hit or miss with me, but most people have no problems with it. Different food works differently from person to person. Also once you try different things you will now what works well for you, then you can mix your selections up for a good variety.
Variety is important to give you lasting results. Be careful but enjoy. Watch the serving size and the number you eat per day.
And I will get on my soap box
STAY AWAY from Carbonated Beverages! This is my number 1 rule. They will mess you up..... Did you know that they are finding Carbonated Beverages are one of the leading causes of Childhood Obesity. They will stretch your stomach and allow you to eat more food. This can be a temporary stretch or a permanent enlargement of your stomach. If it is a temorary stretch your Doctor will not see it if they do a scope to check the size of your stomach. They also can give you ulcers and damage the incision in your stomach..... Ok enough said.
Let me know if you have any other questions and keep me updated.
Derby