White foods - essentially, "bad carbs" like sugar and goods made with white flour, such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes - have been fingered as a culprit in the obesity epidemic. The evidence is clear. These refined starches are rapidly digested in the body and can lead to lifestyle diseases. But is it true that you should kiss white foods goodbye if you want to lose weight and eat healthfully?

Avoiding refined carbohydrates came onto the national radar when low-carb diets like Atkins and Sugar Busters became popular. It didn't help that a 2004 study showed that people who ate too many refined carbs were at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

While you may opt for sugar free options, it is easy to overeat foods like cookies or white-flour pasta, rice, noodles and pizza. It is even more difficult to avoid carbs if you are going to restaurants regularly. It's estimated that 78% of UAE residents eat outside at least twice a week.

The diet truth is that carbohydrates are essential for health and are your body’s preferred form of fuel. We can’t live without them -- but we'd be healthier if we got most of our carbohydrates from "smart carbs" like fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. The bottom line: White, refined foods can be part of a healthy diet, but moderation is key.

Reference:
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/78-per-cent-of-uae-residents-eat-out-up-to-twice-a-week-1.855016
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/truth-about-white-foods#1