I'm confused about bread

4everchanged101

I really like bread. I eat sliced bread or tortillas almost daily. I tend to eat fat free or low carb tortillas and whole wheat bread. Im confused by a lot of things I see about bread. Is bread something to try to avoid or not avoid? I have seen some people avoid bread, pasta, cereal, etc. Is there any real benefit I could get from that?

Is wheat bread really that much better for you than white bread? why? I've heard white bread turns to sugar, but I have also heard this is a myth and they are actually not to far apart nutrition wise.

jkoenig1980

Not all bread is bad. However most of the bread sold in stores is. Bread should not have a shelf life of over a few days. If you want a good for you healthy bread look for sprouted grain or "Ezekiel bread" It may be hard to find because it is stored frozen. And not all stores carry it.

jacksonpt

Depends on your goals. Simple weight loss is 90% total calories and 10% calorie composition. Body composition (muscle gain/fat loss) is a mix of the two. Eating clean is more about ingredients. Etc.

So it's largely personal preference.

WendyTerry420

Eat the kind of bread that you enjoy. Don't stress over it.

wolfchild59

You’re going to get a lot of varying opinions on this. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to what works best for you, your food preferences, and how your body responds to certain foods.

For me, I lost almost 50 lbs while eating the Sara Lee 45 calorie per slice bread, which is super processed and made with HFCS.

Nowadays I typically eat whole grain bread that is made from a local bakery or a store brand sprouted bread from a local market.

Did one taste better than the other? Not really, I like them all pretty equally for different reasons.
Does one make me healthier than the other? Yes and no, they’re all breads, they’re all made with flour, but some have fewer ingredients and “healthier” ingredients, so mentally, I feel better about the choice.

Some people are low carbers, so they’re going to tell you no bread. Others are 40/30/30 (or similar) people so they’ll tell you as long it fits in your macros. Still others will tell you to go for gluten free because of the dangers of wheat belly. No one is right and no one is wrong.

The best thing to do is find a bread that you like, buy that one, eat that one, and stay in a caloric deficit. If you start to notice that you have an upset stomach after eating the bread or some other negative effects that seem to be tied directly to the bread, then look into other options or talk to a doctor. Otherwise, eat what you like, it’s the best way to make this something that you’ll stick with for the long term.

Oh, and sometimes I still buy white bread, because it’s what I loved as a kid and it still just tastes awesome as the bread for a PB&J. Never does me any harm.

unicornpoop

I think a lot of it is that people just love carbs. Bread is an easy thing to cut out. I know that I personally have a problem with bread. I love it and have a hard time not eating 10 peices of naan, garlic bread, toast, dinner rolls, etc. Some people just stay away from it. I did notice that I lost weight faster when I limited bread and carbs.

LuckyLeprechaun

Eat the kind of bread that you enjoy. Don't stress over it.

correct!

spend your calorie budget in ways that leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Pay no mind to rules that label foods as clean or dirty or virtuous or bad.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

I eat 2 pieces of oatmeal bread every morning for breakfast. I don't see any reason to eliminate or avoid bread and it hasn't slowed my progress.

Some people (those with medical conditions) need to cut carbs, and cutting carbs is an effective way to cut overall calories. However, it's not necessary for most people, and if it's going to result in adherence issues for you (sounds like it would) then I wouldn't worry about it.

ryry_

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

MercenaryNoetic26

Just eat what you enjoy. I eat 2-4 corn tortillas daily. Though this is a throwback pic, bread and tortillas don't stop this *kitten* from progress, ya dig?

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

:laugh:

rml_16

If you have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to something in it (usually gluten, though that is far more rare than you might think if you watch the news or dieting websites), then avoid it.

Otherwise, enjoy within your calories and macros (if you worry about those).

rozzberry

Bread is the greatest, most confusing subject ever. To gluten, not-to-gluten, to-carb or not-to-carb.

For me, I've been researching GMO bread (See Book, Wheat Belly) and forget carbs, it's GMO wheat that'll kill you. This stuff has addictive qualities that I know I'm very susceptible too. I eat wheat and I start having these difficult cravings to control. It's not willpower, it's narcotic! Drama aside. I'm not sure what you have in your area, but Silver Hills bakery is only of the only full line of Non-GMO wheat in the market that I can find. They're bread is wholesome and delicious. My husband who is Type 1 diabetic loves this stuff. It's very filling and there is enough fiber that it keeps his blood sugar steady (We also love the bread called 'Steady Eddie', well named!).

At the end of the day, all you can do is listen to your body to determine your needs. If you listen and respond, you will do well in your journey! Good luck!

Acg67

Bread is the greatest, most confusing subject ever. To gluten, not-to-gluten, to-carb or not-to-carb.

For me, I've been researching GMO bread (See Book, Wheat Belly) and forget carbs, it's GMO wheat that'll kill you. This stuff has addictive qualities that I know I'm very susceptible too. I eat wheat and I start having these difficult cravings to control. It's not willpower, it's narcotic! Drama aside. I'm not sure what you have in your area, but Silver Hills bakery is only of the only full line of Non-GMO wheat in the market that I can find. They're bread is wholesome and delicious. My husband who is Type 1 diabetic loves this stuff. It's very filling and there is enough fiber that it keeps his blood sugar steady (We also love the bread called 'Steady Eddie', well named!).

At the end of the day, all you can do is listen to your body to determine your needs. If you listen and respond, you will do well in your journey! Good luck!

Lol Wheat Belly for research

Fast forward to the last min or so if you don't want to watch the whole thing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ucxeiyjpg

Also

http://noglutennoproblem.blogspot.com/2012/03/wheat-belly-busted.html

SailorKnightWing

Bread is not inherently good or bad. No food is.

I cut back on bread and other starches because it was the most efficient way for me to cut back on calories. Grains and desserts were the biggest calorie hogs of my diet and I would rather live without bread than cake, so that's where I cut back. I still eat bread, Sara Lee Healthywhite, on occasion but not as often.

fivethreeone

I see a few people advocating "listening to your body," which is ridiculous to the extent that your body is a moron and listening to it is what made you gain weight to begin with.

Health wise, if you have allegies or medical reasons to avoid certain items,by all means, do so.

Bread is just fine to eat and will not hinder your weight los efforts in any way, providing you stay within your calories.

saxmaniac

Is bread something to try to avoid or not avoid?

If you avoid bread and pasta, you are avoiding more calorie-dense foods, that aren't very filling. That's it. If avoiding it helps you stick to your goals, avoid it. Otherwise, don't.

I've heard white bread turns to sugar, but I have also heard this is a myth and they are actually not to far apart nutrition wise.

Nearly all digestible* carbs turn into sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream. It's called digestion. Your body can't use starch or more complex sugars.

(Yeah, yeah... fiber, cellulos, lactose in some people, I get it.)

jacksonpt

I see a few people advocating "listening to your body," which is ridiculous to the extent that your body is a moron and listening to it is what made you gain weight to begin with.

Health wise, if you have allegies or medical reasons to avoid certain items,by all means, do so.

Bread is just fine to eat and will not hinder your weight los efforts in any way, providing you stay within your calories.

Love all of this, especially the "listen to your body" part. I often say that is the worst advice to give a board full of people with bad eating habits and poor relationships with food.

4everchanged101

.

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

I'm sorry. What?

MyChocolateDiet

Bread Confusion Unraveled.

1) Wheat bread has more fiber than white bread. That's why it became popular.

2) All the breads got demonized during the Atkin's, SouthBeach, Somerzize low carb craze. Research those diets to see what's beleived about "simple carbs".

3) The demonizing of bread continues with Paleo.

The end.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

.

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

I'm sorry. What?

RyRy you weren't supposed to tell anyone about those PMs!


:laugh:

Mainebikerchick

Bread Confusion Unraveled.

1) Wheat bread has more fiber than white bread. That's why it became popular.

2) All the breads got demonized during the Atkin's, SouthBeach, Somerzize low carb craze. Research those diets to see what's beleived about "simple carbs".

3) The demonizing of bread continues with Paleo.

The end.

I like you. :flowerforyou:

Briargrey

Bread makes you fat?! ~~ Scott Pilgrim

Srsly though, eat what works for you and just fit it into your calories/macros/plan I personally love Dave's Killer Breads. They taste flippin' amazing and feel healthier than other stuff to me <g> I like my bread products, but I do actually weigh out and decide whether or not I'm going to have a full sandwich or a half one based on whether or not I want to use up those calories on bread!

ryry_

.

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

I'm sorry. What?

Can someone else explain it?

ryry_

.

Don't worry the confusion is just a phase....Kind of like that other thing you experimented with once that you are confused about.....

I'm sorry. What?

RyRy you weren't supposed to tell anyone about those PMs!


:laugh:

This is why nobody tells me anything anymore :ohwell:

wolfchild59

I see a few people advocating "listening to your body," which is ridiculous to the extent that your body is a moron and listening to it is what made you gain weight to begin with.

Health wise, if you have allegies or medical reasons to avoid certain items,by all means, do so.

Bread is just fine to eat and will not hinder your weight los efforts in any way, providing you stay within your calories.

Well, when I say listen to your body in this context, I mean it in terms of paying attention to how it reacts to different breads or to bread in general. If you eat two slices of bread every day, have no discomfort/physical issues, and you are losing weight, then obviously your body is doing fine with it. But if you feel bloated, have stomach discomfort after eating bread, or just can't seem to get on a good track of losing weight while eating bread/carbs, then pay attention to that and action it.

But overall, I still think that actually listening to one's body in any aspect is still a good idea. Most of my bad eating habits came from *not* listening to my body. I'd be hungry but not eat all day because I wouldn't take a break from work. Then I'd end up eating a massive meal from a restaurant or fast food place that was usually around 2500-3000 calories for that meal, plus dessert. Then when I was home and bored after that, despite being full from the massive dinner, I'd snack on crap while I sat around and watched TV because I'd see the snacks and my brain would want it, even if my body wasn't hungry.

Now I eat when my body feels hungry and don't eat when I'm just bored at home but my body isn't actually hungry. So really, I stopped letting my brain lead my eating habits and started letting my body lead them instead, and I lost almost 50lbs.

I also listen to my body with working out. If I let my brain do that, I'd never go work out because I much prefer being lazy. But I have a lot of chronic pain that feels better when I keep a normal workout schedule. So when my body starts expressing those aches, I know I'm not keeping up my workouts like I should and get back on my game.

So I don't think it's bad advice, I just think it needs context.

neanderthin

Bread is the greatest, most confusing subject ever. To gluten, not-to-gluten, to-carb or not-to-carb.

For me, I've been researching GMO bread (See Book, Wheat Belly) and forget carbs, it's GMO wheat that'll kill you. This stuff has addictive qualities that I know I'm very susceptible too. I eat wheat and I start having these difficult cravings to control. It's not willpower, it's narcotic! Drama aside. I'm not sure what you have in your area, but Silver Hills bakery is only of the only full line of Non-GMO wheat in the market that I can find. They're bread is wholesome and delicious. My husband who is Type 1 diabetic loves this stuff. It's very filling and there is enough fiber that it keeps his blood sugar steady (We also love the bread called 'Steady Eddie', well named!).

At the end of the day, all you can do is listen to your body to determine your needs. If you listen and respond, you will do well in your journey! Good luck!

Except there isn't any GMO wheat produced anywhere in the world, at least not yet.

ldrosophila

Unless your diabetic, gluten intolerant or have some sort of insulin resistance your body will process bread fine. Bread and pasta is pretty concentrated in calories, so just be aware of the portion size when you are eating them.

cupotee

I think it's fine personally. It's yummy and healthy. Some people think avoiding gluten (which is a type of protein found in wheat) is beneficial to your health, but IMO that only applies for people with celiacs/intolerance.

I think whole wheat bread is better, b/c it has more fiber. This way your digestive system has time to absorb the excess sugar, and less of it will be converted into fat/ you'll be fuller longer.

Check out the ingredients list of the bread your buying. It should look something like "Whole wheat flour, sugar, water, yeast, salt." Arnold makes a good loaf

HRLaurie614

I see a few people advocating "listening to your body," which is ridiculous to the extent that your body is a moron and listening to it is what made you gain weight to begin with.

Health wise, if you have allegies or medical reasons to avoid certain items,by all means, do so.

Bread is just fine to eat and will not hinder your weight los efforts in any way, providing you stay within your calories.

I do have to say that I love bread. I'm also finding that certain breads upset my stomach and throw off my digestion. Oddly, I have issues with whole wheat breads/products, but less so with white breads. I've been experimenting to see which are the triggers, so there is definitely some merit to listening to your body. Also, going along with this, I also recently had a really bad acid reflux episode and ending up in the ER (to confirm it wasn't cardiac). This led to an endoscopy. I don't have any wheat/gluten allergies, but may have some insensitivities which does support the signals I was getting from my body.

charlenewho

If you don't mind doing some reading, here is a really informational page to read about the benefits of eating whole wheat rather than white flour. Whole wheat bread is packed with nutrients like manganese (powerful antioxidant that our bodies love) and fiber (yay digestive health!).

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=66

That website is actually amazing in general for learning about the health benefits of various whole foods. I've really revamped my diet based on what I've learned there.