dumping the white carbs

I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?
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Replies

  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?

    Frankly, it's a very silly "rule" to try and follow but if it works for you forgo all the tasty white carbs that won't hinder your weightloss, assuming no medical conditions
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?
    I don't follow this as a strategy, "the whites", but I do aim to eat more nutritious whole grains that are higher in fiber. And I do aim to limit my starchy carbs because, frankly, they make ME feel hungrier, which then DID hinder my weight loss, and made maintenance harder.
    So what ends up on my plate is, then, mostly "brown".
    It's worked pretty well as a general strategy for me these last TWELVE years of maintenance. Apparently to some, it's "silly". Meh.

    My hubs just knows this about me. And over time, he became a 100% whole wheat bread eater, and a brown rice eater.

    Best of luck. If it works for you, stick with it.
  • frangrann
    frangrann Posts: 219 Member
    Yes I try to avoid carbs because I LOVE THEM and they in turn love my hips and butt.
    I only eat Josephs whole grain wraps for sandwiches. And some tortillas. Skip all the other breads, potatoes, and rice for veggies and lean proteins.
    if i cook pasta for the family I have none or whole wheat pasta. Not really a big deal to boil that up. If you cook enough veggie options you don't need the carbs.

    Good luck!!!!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?

    Yes, I've been limiting "white carbs" for years. For me it was super easy since I prefer the taste of fibery whole grains to overly processed "white flour'. I don't eat low carb though. I'm just picky about the source of carbs.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?

    Yes, I've been limiting "white carbs" for years. For me it was super easy since I prefer the taste of fibery whole grains to overly processed "white flour'. I don't eat low carb though. I'm just picky about the source of carbs.
    Well put! (as always).:flowerforyou:
  • GretaGirl8
    GretaGirl8 Posts: 274 Member
    I try to avoid white carbs because I fail to see the nutritional value in them. I eat only a certain number/amount of breads/grains a day and want to make them count. I pay attention to ingredients, sodium levels and fiber content. I usually opt for whole grain cereals. having said that, i know it is sometimes difficult to create meal after meal after meal without those white carbs. enjoy them in moderation and be cognizant of how much in making up your daily intake.
  • Booksandbeaches
    Booksandbeaches Posts: 1,791 Member
    I eat low-carb and it's been the easiest way for me to lose fat. I also have a family history of diabetes, so getting rid of white carbs and foods high in the glycemix index was great for my overall health too.
  • TX_Rhon
    TX_Rhon Posts: 1,549 Member
    The difference in the white rice vs. brown rice calories are minimal. So to "save" calories does not really make a difference. Brown rice has more fiber and I do track my fiber instead of sugar. The white bread often has less calories than wheat/whole grain bread - the true whole grain bread. However, I prefer regular pasta.

    So no, I do not use this strategy. Double check your calorie counts if that is the sole reason you are cutting them out.
  • janicelo1971
    janicelo1971 Posts: 823 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?

    YUP! I also tend to avoid the white carbs..i love them and its one of those things I cant just eat a small peace...today I went for one piece of toast and had almost 4...live and learn..easier for me to avoid them....many other foods out there that don't trigger me
  • SusanUW83
    SusanUW83 Posts: 152 Member
    That's what helped me lose the weight -- if I mostly avoid white carbs I feel more full with the same level of calories and am less likely to binge. Last month or two I've gone away from what got me here and am starting to add weight. I need to get back to only eating my favorite ones in moderation, not just because they are there. (Bread with meal, more than one serving of pasts, etc.)
  • grubb1019
    grubb1019 Posts: 371 Member
    I try to avoid white carbs just because I can't stop once I get started. If I eat one roll I want more.
  • 2013sk
    2013sk Posts: 1,318 Member
    If you want your white carbs.... have them? Do you enjoy them? Eat them : )

    Calories are calories..... calories in v's out... As long as you hit your calories goals you will lose!!
  • My General Practice Doctor told me to get rid of all "white" starches, sugar etc. and to dump packaged food such as crackers, pretzels, bagels etc. I need to do this but it's really challenging at times. I haven't eaten anything "white" or packaged so far today. I am not 100 percent convinced that it works. I would love to hear what a Doctor who is a Nutritionist thinks. My Doctor, while I do respect and appreciate his input, is a "granola" Vegan who is as skinny as a rail. I am a runner and a cyclist, eating Vegan is definitely out for me.
  • ottermotorcycle
    ottermotorcycle Posts: 654 Member
    Maybe you can convince your family to eat a mixture of white and wheat? Or get that "smart taste" enriched pasta?

    White carbs aren't the end of the world, but I do see where you're coming from. I feel like switching to whole wheat was the easiest healthy decision I ever made, and wheat products tend to have more protein and fiber in them too. I love grains but whole grains are just as good!
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    If you want your white carbs.... have them? Do you enjoy them? Eat them : )

    Calories are calories..... calories in v's out... As long as you hit your calories goals you will lose!!
    For some folks, starchy carbs lead to blood sugar spikes, and hunger. For some folks, starchy carbs just lead to the munches.
    Which then leads to more calories.
    Some folks just find it easier to eat within their calories without those things.

    (and for some folks: the number on the scale isn't the only factor)
    Different strokes for different folks and all that.:smile:
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    If you want your white carbs.... have them? Do you enjoy them? Eat them : )

    Calories are calories..... calories in v's out... As long as you hit your calories goals you will lose!!
    For some folks, starchy carbs lead to blood sugar spikes, and hunger. For some folks, starchy carbs just lead to the munches.
    Which then leads to more calories.
    Some folks just find it easier to eat within their calories without those things.

    (and for some folks: the number on the scale isn't the only factor)
    Different strokes for different folks and all that.:smile:

    Agreed. The calories may be the same on paper but that doesn't mean you'll feel the same way after eating 500 calories of bacon than you feel after eating 500 calories of white bread (extreme example, but you get my point). If limiting certain carbs (e.g., not buying white bread) helps you achieve your goals, I don't see anything wrong with that.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I actually prefer whole grain rice if I am going to eat it, brown and white lack texture,
    I prefer whole wheat bread/wraps or grainy breads like sunflower/flax seed or oatmeal...which ultimately have more calories than white.

    I love my potatoes tho, and french fries...no sweet potato for this girl.

    I do eat nann bread, baguettes (white or whole wheat)

    For me it's a texture thing more than a calorie thing...or taste...
  • SharonNehring
    SharonNehring Posts: 535 Member
    I limit all carbs in general, whether it's white bread or fruit, but this is due to a medical condition. My hubby does all the cooking here and it's been a learning experience for him to be sure. There's been many a battle over what I can and will eat but I stick to my guns.

    If he fixes something I can't really have, I'll have a bite or two then find something else in the frig to eat in it's place. If your hubby won't compromise, you'll need to start cooking or make sure there are other options in the frig you can make quickly, like a salad and leftovers.
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    I prefer whole wheat or multi grain breads and pasta, the white stuff just sits in my tummy and makes me feel bloated (I was eating these before I decided it was time to drop the extra weight). I don't care for brown rice but to use up what I have I just mix it half and half with white and it's tolerable that way :ohwell:

    It's more about the taste for me, but I won't run away from a nice slice of french bread or some garlic bread :drinker:
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I've been trying to avoid white bread, rice, and pasta but this is what my husband the cook makes all of the time. We eat sliced whole wheat bread but he also serves baguettes, naan, etc with white flour. I'm the only one who eats brown rice (when I make my own) and nobody likes brown pasta. In the end I've basically x'ed out much of my starchy carbs. I don't want to be totally Atkins but this tactic does cut down on the calories. Do anyone else use this strategy?

    You don't have to eliminate any foods from your diet, you just practice moderation and portion control. Another suggestion would be to cook your own dinner. Grill up some chicken breasts to last you through the week. Make your protein as the main meal with pasta on the side, don't forget your veggies too.
  • PJPrimrose
    PJPrimrose Posts: 916 Member
    I tried it and stopped. It seemed to make no difference at all. I only restrict gluten because I have Celiac. Portion control worked well for me. Good luck!
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  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    If I said I avoid all brown carbs would it be as racist as everyone saying they avoid white carbs?


    Issues with insulin or such where you need to monitor carb intake is one thing but it's pretty funny how many people avoid something because they heard on tv somewhere that they should. Ask them why and the answer is always the same.
    Racist?
    What an odd post.
    From start to finish.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    If we are talking rice you would be better cutting out brown than white. Whilst white rice is just basically starch with very little nutrition, it is still more nutritious than brown rice, and it tastes nicer IMO.

    The main thing to remember is that starches like white rice are not bad - due to the lack of nutrition there more neutral than anything.

    If you've got calories left to spare it's not too bad to have them (unless you are particularly looking to follow a low carb diet).
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    If we are talking rice you would be better cutting out brown than white. Whilst white rice is just basically starch with very little nutrition, it is still more nutritious than brown rice, and it tastes nicer IMO.

    The main thing to remember is that starches like white rice are not bad - due to the lack of nutrition there more neutral than anything.

    If you've got calories left to spare it's not too bad to have them (unless you are particularly looking to follow a low carb diet).
    Why better cutting brown rice? It would depend on which nutrients (and which brown rice), wouldn't it?
    http://www.rebeccablood.net/domestic/rice.html
  • Just joined and started today. I'm looking around the messages and topics. So much great info already. I'm a carb junky and all these posts are very helpful.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    I do. I'm gluten free. I don't eat any wheat, white flour, barley, rye, and a bunch of other ingredients that contain gluten. For carbs I mainly eat gluten free whole grain or omega & flax bread, gluten free brown rice, gluten free steel cut oats, sweet potatoes, fruits, and veggies.

    I highly suggest purchasing the book "Wheat Belly" by Dr. William Davis. He talks about why gluten makes people fat and that it's the reason for the obesity epidemic today. It's a very interesting and informative book.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    If we are talking rice you would be better cutting out brown than white. Whilst white rice is just basically starch with very little nutrition, it is still more nutritious than brown rice, and it tastes nicer IMO.

    The main thing to remember is that starches like white rice are not bad - due to the lack of nutrition there more neutral than anything.

    If you've got calories left to spare it's not too bad to have them (unless you are particularly looking to follow a low carb diet).
    Why better cutting brown rice? It would depend on which nutrients (and which brown rice), wouldn't it?
    http://www.rebeccablood.net/domestic/rice.html

    Brown rice provides very little nutrients (less than white really).

    Again brown rice is not bad for you, just offers nothing much for the calories it costs.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    If we are talking rice you would be better cutting out brown than white. Whilst white rice is just basically starch with very little nutrition, it is still more nutritious than brown rice, and it tastes nicer IMO.

    The main thing to remember is that starches like white rice are not bad - due to the lack of nutrition there more neutral than anything.

    If you've got calories left to spare it's not too bad to have them (unless you are particularly looking to follow a low carb diet).
    Why better cutting brown rice? It would depend on which nutrients (and which brown rice), wouldn't it?
    http://www.rebeccablood.net/domestic/rice.html

    Brown rice provides very little nutrients (less than white really).

    Again brown rice is not bad for you, just offers nothing much for the calories it costs.
    The web page I linked showed it to be pretty much a wash. EXCEPT brown rice has more fiber, thus, fits into my approach to eating better (and the OPs).

    That said, I agree: most of the time, it's just a waste of calories. But it gives the fish something to stick to in sushi. :-)
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
    If we are talking rice you would be better cutting out brown than white. Whilst white rice is just basically starch with very little nutrition, it is still more nutritious than brown rice, and it tastes nicer IMO.

    The main thing to remember is that starches like white rice are not bad - due to the lack of nutrition there more neutral than anything.

    If you've got calories left to spare it's not too bad to have them (unless you are particularly looking to follow a low carb diet).
    Why better cutting brown rice? It would depend on which nutrients (and which brown rice), wouldn't it?
    http://www.rebeccablood.net/domestic/rice.html

    Brown rice provides very little nutrients (less than white really).

    Again brown rice is not bad for you, just offers nothing much for the calories it costs.
    The web page I linked showed it to be pretty much a wash. EXCEPT brown rice has more fiber, thus, fits into my approach to eating better (and the OPs).

    That said, I agree: most of the time, it's just a waste of calories. But it gives the fish something to stick to in sushi. :-)

    Yes you may get a little more fibre from brown rice, but there are plenty if other sources for fibre (which come with more nutrients).

    Whilst 100g of raw brown rice boost some impressive minerals and nutrients they are bound up in phytic acid and not absorbed by us.