Have you read the book: Wheat belly : lose the wheat, lose the weight...?

[LisaR]

I don't believe wheat is bad for you unless you have Celiac or are allergic to wheat.

I fall into the second category. Found out in July that I am allergic to wheat. So I went on a gluten free diet. Has...done...absolutely...nothing for me except keep me from having an allergic reaction. I have been having serious GI problems for the past 1 1/2 years and they have been getting increasingly worse. All tests for celiac came back negative and there was no visible damage on my endoscopy. But we figured since I had to go gluten free anyway, maybe the tests were wrong...nope...my GI problems have gotten worse since I went gluten free.

Since I've gone gluten free my GI problems, my allergies, my eczema, my asthma, my heart, and , my neuro problems have all been getting worse.

Maybe it's because I have been forced to limit my diet so much because of allergies, but I don't understand why you would choose to eliminate any food unless 100% necessary. But I guess when you are able to add it back in or "cheat" if you want, there is a different attitude about eliminating foods than if you know you will never be able to eat it again. Personally, I would give anything to be able to have a sandwich on a nice soft piece of Honey wheat bread or a bagel with cream cheese and jelly right now.

I gave up wheat a few years ago. I'm not allergic nor do I have celiac disease. What I do have is an addiction to bread. Seriously! Put a bag of M&M's in front of me and I wouldn't even think of eating that garbage. Put a homemade, whole grain bread in front of me and I will devour the entire thing. Forget the veggies. Forget the other healthy foods. I would fill up on bread and very little else. I gave up bread which also meant getting rid of the whole wheat flour in my home so I don't make more bread. Since giving it up, I feel so much different and better. While I can't swear that it was the wheat that caused me to feel better, there does seem to be a correlation between the two.

I do not eat gluten-free products. I don't eat refined grains and that is what most gluten-free products are, IMO. I eat plenty of whole grains including a variety of brown rices, millet, buckwheat, oats, and quinoa.

I'm sorry you aren't finding any relief by going gluten-free. My son suffers from severe food allergies and it has taken many years and many elimination diets to get him to a point where he isn't vomiting daily or curled up on his bed with severe stomach cramps. What we are doing now works great for him. I told him he will eat this way until he is on his own without any exceptions. My days of cleaning up puke are over. If he wants to experiment when he is out on his own, he is free to do that.

 

[Disney0010]

No one eating plan works for every person. My Dr. put me on a healthy low carb eating plan April 10th. As of Friday when I went in for my six month blood work results I had dropped 65 lbs in the first 5 1/2 months. My cholesterol dropped from 208 to 121. For me, carbs are a bad thing. I stay away from most. I am now working out six days a week for up to one hour per day. Cravings are long gone. I still have not met my goals but am closer than ever.

Don't let anyone tell you that Low Carb is not healthy as it can be done with healthy options. My blood work is proof of that. I visit my Dr. every thirty days so that they keep an eye on my progress and weigh in plus it's an incentive to continue on this plan knowing that I have someone to report to. Notice that I have not used the word "diet". Diets don't work. Never have and never will. This is a life plan for me. I suggest for anyone needing to lose weight, get with you Dr. and find a plan that fits your needs.

 

[Poohforyou]

I don't eat refined grains or sugar and haven't in a few years. It really isn't that hard if you're willing to experiment and try new things. That being said, I carry weight in my middle and really have to work my core hard several days a week, along with cardio & weight training to keep it in check.

BTW, I didn't give these up to lose weight. It's was more because of an addiction to cake and ice cream.

 

[mhsjax]

Because that's where you happen to have stored fat?

I mean.. there really needn't be some grand explanation/secret. People store fat in different places - some people have bigger thighs, others arms, others have a gut, etc.

There is no such thing as spot reducing (unless you're using liposuction to do it, heh), and subdermal fat is fat. Your fat cells are your fat cells, you keep 'em for life unless you have them removed. You can shrink them through weight loss but same as some people lose everything but that stubborn spare tire so do others have fat cheeks or hips or what have you.

Not necessarily true. My Cardiologists, and family practitioner and well as my GYN, also DH cardiologist have said the same thing. Once you reach a certain age you store fat differently. This poster never said anything about spot reducing, that isn't what she is talking about. People who store fat around the middle are typically insulin resistant and carbs are stored as fat more around the middle. They have been saying for years that fat stored around the middle is completely different in regards to your health. Doctors these days are saying to get rid of any processed carb and limit your total carbs even the ones that are "good carbs" if you fall into this category.

 

[cornflake]

Not necessarily true. My Cardiologists, and family practitioner and well as my GYN, also DH cardiologist have said the same thing. Once you reach a certain age you store fat differently. This poster never said anything about spot reducing, that isn't what she is talking about. People who store fat around the middle are typically insulin resistant and carbs are stored as fat more around the middle. They have been saying for years that fat stored around the middle is completely different in regards to your health. Doctors these days are saying to get rid of any processed carb and limit your total carbs even the ones that are "good carbs" if you fall into this category.

There are entirely different types of fat 'stored around the middle' and in different ways.

Yes, aging generally produces middle-aged spread with a thicker waist, however, you're classifying any abdominal fat seemingly the same, when it's not at all. There are different types of fat, different places it's stored, etc.

The poster said there was a stubborn roll, that doesn't necessarily indicate anything but that that's where her fat happens to be.

 

[LuvsDragonflies]

Whole grains are good for you. What isn't good for you is the genetically altered crap the US now has for wheat. When they changed it to be "hardier" they also upped the protein, so now its not as easily digestable and actually will 'stick' inside you.

If you look at the rising number of "gluten allergies" in this country since they've done this, you will see a definite correlation. Italy, France, nope. Not a big rise in Celiacs.

It's the wheat, it's "The Wheat" that is causing problems. Just leave the damn food alone please?

 

[mhsjax]

There are entirely different types of fat 'stored around the middle' and in different ways.

Yes, aging generally produces middle-aged spread with a thicker waist, however, you're classifying any abdominal fat seemingly the same, when it's not at all. There are different types of fat, different places it's stored, etc.

The poster said there was a stubborn roll, that doesn't necessarily indicate anything but that that's where her fat happens to be.

YOu believe what you want, I will believe what my Doctors say.

 

[Gretchen]

No wheat products, dairy, nuts for me. I don't eat anything labeled gluten free unless it's gluten free by nature. That stuff has other sugars etc put into it that bother me. I have IBS and MCS and all those whole grain wheat products just mess me up.

 

[Disney Doll]

OP, I'd say give it a shot and see how you feel.

Cut your carb intake in general. Both processed and "unprocessed". As some have said, even the "natural whole grain wheat" that we see today is probably different from the wheat of days gone by.

It will take more label reading, as many foods have wheat in them, or wheat flour or some form of wheat something. But there are a lot of other whole grains, many of which have already been mentioned here so no need for me to repeat them.

Good luck!

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think it is fascinating reading. I really do. There is scientific research that validates the cardiologist's findings. Part of me doesn't want to believe it because, come on! It's wheat! It's supposed to be good for you! But then what he states makes a lot of sense.

So, like I said, I'm keeping an open mind about it.

I'm not what I would consider fat. I have some pounds to lose but not a whole lot. My belly isn't terribly big, it's just not responding to my dietary changes like I'd like. But in the end, it isn't about the pounds it's more about feeling better and eating better.

I've been tweaking my eating habits for quite awhile now. Anyone that has read the, "Foods states are known for", thread can come to the conclusion that I do like to eat. But I exercise too. It's all about moderation/balance for me.

I don't know if or how I'll use the information at this point. I'm still gathering information. I know there are a lot of alternatives for wheat and wheat products, so it may be just a matter of a different selection. I don't know. It wouldn't anything hurt to try.

We'll see.

 

[cornflake]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think it is fascinating reading. I really do. There is scientific research that validates the cardiologist's findings. Part of me doesn't want to believe it because, come on! It's wheat! It's supposed to be good for you! But then what he states makes a lot of sense.

So, like I said, I'm keeping an open mind about it.

I'm not what I would consider fat. I have some pounds to lose but not a whole lot. My belly isn't terribly big, it's just not responding to my dietary changes like I'd like. But in the end, it isn't about the pounds it's more about feeling better and eating better.

I've been tweaking my eating habits for quite awhile now. Anyone that has read the, "Foods states are known for", thread can come to the conclusion that I do like to eat. But I exercise too. It's all about moderation/balance for me.

I don't know if or how I'll use the information at this point. I'm still gathering information. I know there are a lot of alternatives for wheat and wheat products, so it may be just a matter of a different selection. I don't know. It wouldn't anything hurt to try.

We'll see.

On another board, someone just posted a "scientific study" saying that GMO corn caused terrible diseases. The study, if you looked closely enough, was not what one would call rigorous or at one with sense. Yet it exists and people cite it.

As to the claims made in the wheat book, some scientists at Berkeley address some of them here, in 'Wheatphobia', including -

Claim: Most grains are bad, but modern wheat is the worst because it has been altered over the years via selective breeding and is now a virtual “Frankengrain.” It is loaded with amylopectin A (a starch unique to wheat), which is “worse than table sugar,” Dr. Davis says, boosting blood sugar dramatically and stimulating appetite. Modern wheat also contains other components with adverse effects, and its gluten (a protein) is more likely to trigger reactions than that in older wheat.

Fact: For well over a century, food scientists have developed hybrid varieties of wheat to be sturdier and have higher yields, better quality, and greater resistance to disease and insects. That’s true of most food crops There’s no clinical evidence that differences between today’s wheat and older varieties have adverse effects on our health. It’s all supposition on Dr. Davis’s part...

Claim: Wheat is the main culprit behind the obesity epidemic.

Fact: Wheat is a staple in most parts of the world, and there’s little or no correlation between regional intakes (as a proportion of daily calories) and rates of obesity. Per capita wheat consumption in the U.S. has actually dropped since 2000, but there’s no sign that is slowing the expansion of our waistlines. In fact, a century ago Americans ate much more wheat than we do today, and very few were obese (granted, diets and lifestyles differed in many ways then). In any case, the obesity epidemic certainly can’t be attributed to any single factor...

Claim: Whole wheat isn’t much better than refined wheat, so overweight people and those with chronic diseases should avoid it as well.

Fact: Many studies have linked higher intakes of whole grains (including whole wheat) with a reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, as well as improvements in blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. Other studies have found that whole wheat can help people control their weight and/or lose body fat, especially when they eat it in place of refined-wheat products.

 

[OceanAnnie]

On another board, someone just posted a "scientific study" saying that GMO corn caused terrible diseases. The study, if you looked closely enough, was not what one would call rigorous or at one with sense. Yet it exists and people cite it.

As to the claims made in the wheat book, some scientists at Berkeley address some of them here, in 'Wheatphobia', including -

Well, here's the thing, you get 10 scientists in a room, how many are going to agree on anything? They get paid to pick things apart. Anyway, I'm still reading about it.

I did read something about GM corn and cancer the other day, but it was coming from Russia. Here is the article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...rican-GM-corn-study-revealed-cancer-risk.html

Yeah, the article is from the DM. Some people don't like it. I do. I think it's an interesting article. You may not. We don't have a lot of data spanning the test of time about engineered foods. Something to think about, for me at least.

 

[HM]

My parents gave up wheat about three weeks ago. They did it to see if it would help with their arthritis. They say that they are not having any problems and are also losing a bit of weight as well. They also said that they walked past the bread counter at the deli the other day and didn't even crave it. Wow.

OP, try it. If it works for you great, if not, all you've lost out on is a few weeks of not eating wheat, right?

 

[Princess Dolly]

Well, here's the thing, you get 10 scientists in a room, how many are going to agree on anything? They get paid to pick things apart. Anyway, I'm still reading about it.

I did read something about GM corn and cancer the other day, but it was coming from Russia. Here is the article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...rican-GM-corn-study-revealed-cancer-risk.html

Yeah, the article is from the DM. Some people don't like it. I do. I think it's an interesting article. You may not. We don't have a lot of data spanning the test of time about engineered foods. Something to think about, for me at least.

The Wall Street Journal also ran a similar article, so it's not just the Daily Mail. I would link it but I think you need a subscription now to read it. Anyway, Russia made the decision based on the study. The EU is also now looking into it. How does the US handle such matters? By continued support of Monsanto, its ilk and their Frankenfood, letting them run amok, up and over the farming industry and then not requiring labling of GMO containing foods. Good job US!

 

[OceanAnnie]

My parents gave up wheat about three weeks ago. They did it to see if it would help with their arthritis. They say that they are not having any problems and are also losing a bit of weight as well. They also said that they walked past the bread counter at the deli the other day and didn't even crave it. Wow.

OP, try it. If it works for you great, if not, all you've lost out on is a few weeks of not eating wheat, right?

That's awesome for your parents.

You know, I think I will try it. I don't think the food industry will miss my little contribution towards wheat. I mean it will go somewhere else within the industry. I am still going to eat! If it doesn't amount to anything for me, no big deal.

The Wall Street Journal also ran a similar article, so it's not just the Daily Mail. I would link it but I think you need a subscription now to read it. Anyway, Russia made the decision based on the American study. The EU is also now looking into it. How does the US handle such matters? By continued support of Monsanto, its ilk and their Frankenfood, letting them run amok, up and over the farming industry and then not requiring labling of GMO containing foods. Good job US!

Oh the WSJ too?! Huh. It certainly does make a person pause, doesn't it. Russia and the EU are acting on an American study but we as Americans aren't? Something seems amiss with that one.

I think we as consumers should ask questions and keep asking them. I'm curious by nature anyway.

 

[cornflake]

Well, here's the thing, you get 10 scientists in a room, how many are going to agree on anything? They get paid to pick things apart. Anyway, I'm still reading about it.

I did read something about GM corn and cancer the other day, but it was coming from Russia. Here is the article:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...rican-GM-corn-study-revealed-cancer-risk.html

Yeah, the article is from the DM. Some people don't like it. I do. I think it's an interesting article. You may not. We don't have a lot of data spanning the test of time about engineered foods. Something to think about, for me at least.

That was the study, yep.

The study is ridiculous. You can read it; it's like a college freshman designed it. They don't even mention how much the rats were fed, which is a huge variable that has implications of its own in that area. They also don't mention that those rats are tumour-prone (they're the same type used in other studies but the longer they're observed... etc.), etc., etc.

The "scientist" who did the "study" is apparently notorious for going after Mosanto any which way.

It's not about 10 scientists each with a different opinion, it's like the climate change thing. I'm not discussing the politics of it but that there are people who say there are X number of scientists who disagree with what is accepted as fact by the general scientific population in order to try that '10 scientists, all different, who knows' thing. But all scientists or people claiming to be scientists, aren't equal. All studies aren't equal.

I don't think the GMO one was in a straight, peer-reviewed journal, or it'd likely not have even been accepted, because it's not a proper study.

Same as other 'shock' studies I've seen. Yes, sometimes a scientists someplace gets a shocking result. When it's a real scientist, they open their work and invite others to replicate it, because that's what science is. When the first team had a particle exceeding the speed of light, their press release was full of 'this is an unexpected result, thus it may very well have been our error but this is what we got; we are waiting for others to confirm or deny this based on replicating our experiment, which is right here.' That's science.

This kind of thing? Not so much.

 

[Dancind]

I read Wheat Belly, and tell anyone that will listen to me to read it too. Believe what you like, but I would not touch GMO food with a 10 foot pole. No wheat at all, I react to gluten.

Rarely ever eat corn, and then only organic. Tacos just aren't the same without some kind of tortilla, but as I said rarely. Once a month, maybe. Speaking of GMO, has anyone seen the documentary "King Corn"?

Don't eat much rice, but will even less now that they have found so much arsenic in it. Grains in general just don't sit well in my stomach.

Disneyfan07, any chance you are replacing your wheat with more corn and rice?

I don't buy processed food, you just don't know what's in it. Kind of a shocker to learn that Kashi products are full of GMO grains. We ate a lot of that stuff for years.

I've overcome two types of autoimmune disease and Diabetes II with a low carb, and now "paleo" diet. Started following the latter after a bout with cancer.

I do not eat grain fed animals, either, but I certainly eat meat!

The most recent discovery I've read, as in a couple of days ago, is the finding that humans were working together to hunt animals about a million years before they were believed to do so. And that coincided with larger brain development. Sort of an argument against being a vegetarian, I think.

 

[Princess Dolly]

I read Wheat Belly, and tell anyone that will listen to me to read it too. Believe what you like, but I would not touch GMO food with a 10 foot pole. No wheat at all, I react to gluten.

Rarely ever eat corn, and then only organic. Tacos just aren't the same without some kind of tortilla, but as I said rarely. Once a month, maybe. Speaking of GMO, has anyone seen the documentary "King Corn"?

Don't eat much rice, but will even less now that they have found so much arsenic in it. Grains in general just don't sit well in my stomach.

Disneyfan07, any chance you are replacing your wheat with more corn and rice?

I don't buy processed food, you just don't know what's in it. Kind of a shocker to learn that Kashi products are full of GMO grains. We ate a lot of that stuff for years.

I've overcome two types of autoimmune disease and Diabetes II with a low carb, and now "paleo" diet. Started following the latter after a bout with cancer.

I do not eat grain fed animals, either, but I certainly eat meat!

The most recent discovery I've read, as in a couple of days ago, is the finding that humans were working together to hunt animals about a million years before they were believed to do so. And that coincided with larger brain development. Sort of an argument against being a vegetarian, I think.

Yeah that was a bit of a shocker for me as well. Then I really looked at the boxes and it said natural, and didn't use the word organic. Kashi has switched a few product to non-GMO but it's nothing to write home about. http://www.kashi.com/nongmo

 

[mhsjax]

I read Wheat Belly, and tell anyone that will listen to me to read it too. Believe what you like, but I would not touch GMO food with a 10 foot pole. No wheat at all, I react to gluten.

Rarely ever eat corn, and then only organic. Tacos just aren't the same without some kind of tortilla, but as I said rarely. Once a month, maybe. Speaking of GMO, has anyone seen the documentary "King Corn"?

Don't eat much rice, but will even less now that they have found so much arsenic in it. Grains in general just don't sit well in my stomach.

Disneyfan07, any chance you are replacing your wheat with more corn and rice?

I don't buy processed food, you just don't know what's in it. Kind of a shocker to learn that Kashi products are full of GMO grains. We ate a lot of that stuff for years.

I've overcome two types of autoimmune disease and Diabetes II with a low carb, and now "paleo" diet. Started following the latter after a bout with cancer.

I do not eat grain fed animals, either, but I certainly eat meat!

The most recent discovery I've read, as in a couple of days ago, is the finding that humans were working together to hunt animals about a million years before they were believed to do so. And that coincided with larger brain development. Sort of an argument against being a vegetarian, I think.

Humans were designed to eat meat, but you find many vegetarians on here, they will try and try to tell you that carbs and grain are good. I don't buy it for one minute.

 

[badblackpug]

There is always a new fad for weight loss, that is why the weight loss industry makes billions, and the population gets fatter and fatter.

Everyone is genetically predisposed to having "problem areas." That area of your body where you gain weight easiest, and lose it the hardest.

The formula is simple. Burn off more calories than you take in. Period.