No grain diet?
RunningAggie
Posts: 58
A friend of mine has been following Dr. Mercola's No Grain Diet. Her and her husband have cut all grains and sugar out of their diet. They have been doing this for a month and when they had their bloodwork done both had dropped their blood pressure significantly. Her husband has had to add some notches to his belt and both talk about how much energy they have now. She has hereditary kidney disease and was looking at the possibility of a transplant down the road. Her kidney function has improved. I've discussed the diet some with her - what does she eat, how hard was it to cut out the sugar and grains... I'm still not sure how healthy this diet is. The dogma has long been that grains make up the largest portion of the pyramid (I know that it's changed now). She says they get their carbs from veggies rather than bread. I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of this diet. I don't know if I could realistically cut sugar and grains from my diet. I just wanted to find out some more information and see if anyone had any experience with this approach to nutrition.
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Not familiar with that diet specifically, but I've been following Primal for the last 9 months or so, and I've dropped 60 lbs. and approx. 8 inches around my waist as a result. No grains, no legumes . . . all the meat and vegetables I can stuff my face with. Fruit, dairy, and nuts are limited, but I don't miss them. If you only drop grains from your diet and do nothing else, you will see significant results.0
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I don't have experience with this particular diet but I do know that paleo type diets also cut grain out. Grain isn't required for good health and in fact there are quite a lot of us who have grain intolerances or allergies. I recently cut it from my life as well and have noticed I feel much better when I keep it out. If I've indulged in it I can tell by the way I feel. Marksdailyapple.com has lots of info on grain in the diet (or cutting it out of the diet) if you want more reading.0
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I just purchased a book called The Primal Blueprint. haven't had a chance to read much of it yet. You can get a taste of it by subscribing or visiting http://www.marksdailyapple.com
The no grain thing is a huge part of this primal/paleo movement. I think there's something to it, and I like that TPB has an 80/20 rule. Do your best 80% of the time, knowing that life is going to get in the way 20% of the time. There will always be birthday cake, ya know?0 -
I don't know about this diet, I would be careful doing it. I have a gluten allergy so I can't eat wheat, barley are malt. Once I started eating gluten free food, which has either corn, rice, potato and other flours instead of wheat I lost alot of weight. I have lost a total of 15 pounds by just eating the right food and staying within 1200 calories a day. I would give that a try first before going on a diet that really wouldn't reflect your normal eating habits. Jackie0
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I have heard of that diet before. A friend of mine is doing something very similar to it. She is going to Over Eaters Anonymous. They do just about the same thing. They have meetings 3 times a week and they cut out all sugars, starches and Carbs. She had a baby about a year ago and had gained 100lbs during her pregnancy. During her first month on the diet she lost 17lbs. within a total of 4 months she lost 60lbs and looks great. Never exercised, however she did have a 1 year old to chase around the house.
All I know is that the program is to teach you how to eat all over again and its a 12 step guide like the AA groups for alcoholics. They use that guide and also everyone has a sponsor that they have to call in to talk to every day to keep a strong support system going. There's a website for it just google it and it will come up.
Hopefully it helps.0 -
I've been following a primal lifestyle for a while now, which is basically no sugar/grains. I feel a million times better, and weight is dropping off pretty much effortlessly, since I'm injured and can't really exercise right now. I get all my carbs from fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, usually around 60-90g per day. It's actually not hard at all because of how much better I feel (not bloated, lots of energy, not hungry). I have been off sugar for over a year already, except occasional honey/maple syrup, so it wasn't very difficult to cut out grains for a while and see how I felt. It's absolutely healthy, just eat a large variety of fruits and veggies. There is not a whole lot of nutritional value in grains, and it spikes your blood sugar, causing insulin resistance and a bunch of other problems in many people. Obviously, this isn't going to be for everyone, but as long as you feel better doing it, there is no danger in it. It is a drastic lifestyle change, however.0
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Doing something similar, Protein Power Life Plan by Drs. Eades. Since November of "10 I've lost 117 lbs as of today. I've been keeping pretty close to my 1700 cal/day goals and exercise 5 days a week. I was very surprised that cutting out breads and grains ( I do eat low carb tortillas thought) has been as easy as it has. I get most of my carbs from vegetables and fruit, usually <40 grams of carbs per day.
My energy has increased significantly and I really have felt great overall. My stamina has been excellent and my performance during mountain biking has not suffered. Win-win! Blood pressure has dropped and blood tests have all gone back to normal ranges. Can't say enough about this new life style. And it is a life-style, not a fad diet!
Good luck and I hope this or another eating plan works as well for you.
Cheers!0 -
I switched to a paleo diet when my doc wanted to yank out my gallbladder, since then my gallbladder symptoms have gone and I started seeing greater fat loss within the first week.
I don’t know why people say that a paleo/primal style diet is not sustainable, yet they don’t give the same flack to vegans.0 -
I switched to a paleo diet when my doc wanted to yank out my gallbladder, since then my gallbladder symptoms have gone and I started seeing greater fat loss within the first week.
I don’t know why people say that a paleo/primal style diet is not sustainable, yet they don’t give the same flack to vegans.
People slag off atkins too, even though there are now a large number of studies of over two years long that show it as healthy. It follows similar lines to primal or a less strict paleo.
Just remember, a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat, and people are really stupid when it comes to biology and physics.0 -
LOL!!!Just remember, a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat, and people are really stupid when it comes to biology and physics.0 -
I cut out sugar and white flours including white rice, white pasta, and limit white potatoes. I also switched to chicken and fish and more protein from plants. I've never felt better in my entire life! My substantial sugar/junk food craving stopped within about a week - 2 weeks. Have tons of energy. No afternoon slumps anymore. Sugar and white flour are killers for my energy and cause cravings. I'd rather not eat them. I do eat and love whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa. Whole wheat pastas I eat sparingly. Sandwiches (for the bread) are out of my vocabulary. I do notice that eating even whole wheat bread or ww pasta on a regular basis seems to stall my weight loss so I don't eat them on a regular basis. But I do eat a serving of whole wheat Triscuits usually once a day and or La Tortilla Factory high fiber "tortillas" - my vice. I don't know about the rest of you but eating lots of animal protein constipates me so easily. Although I have not tried to eliminate the grains in favor of more veggies yet. That could be the fix for that. Just relating my own personal experience. I think I just prefer to eat more plant based foods than animal protein - but the BBQ the other day was fantastic with lots of smoky meats, garlic bread, and birthday cake! = D0
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Count me in as being grain and sugar free. I have lost almost 60 pounds since February.
PMS symptoms are almost gone and my aunt flow has decreased dramatically = happier person to be around that time of the month.
I have more energy than I know what to do with everyday. I sleep better at night. No more IBS symptoms, no more acid reflux, no more diabetes and no more high blood pressure. My thyroid function is still healing but I am off medications.0 -
Since November of "10 I've lost 117 lbs as of today.
That is amazing, less than a year! Congratulations!0 -
I think the key for a lot of these types of diets is that they can vary both according to individual body needs and what you choose to fill the missing calories with. If you are eating primarily unprocessed whole grains and don't have any allergy issues, then you may not see a huge health benefit from eliminating all grains/carbs. You may drop weight just because you've eliminated a food group, but that doesn't make it healthy for you. Lots of whole grains are very good for heart health, too. If your carbs come from cheetos, then yes of course it would be good to eliminate. If you cut out all grains and replace the calories with butter and cheese and jerky, it's not going to be good for you either.
After trying various plans and the 17 Day Diet (which I did NOT enjoy), I've found (personally, this is just me) that the more whole, unprocessed foods I eat, the better I feel and more control I have over my weight. I also find this to be the most sustainable solution in my life. Again, that's just me.
I think it's good to check with your doctor who knows your particular health and body issues before making such drastic changes.0 -
I think the key for a lot of these types of diets is that they can vary both according to individual body needs and what you choose to fill the missing calories with. If you are eating primarily unprocessed whole grains and don't have any allergy issues, then you may not see a huge health benefit from eliminating all grains/carbs. You may drop weight just because you've eliminated a food group, but that doesn't make it healthy for you. Lots of whole grains are very good for heart health, too. If your carbs come from cheetos, then yes of course it would be good to eliminate. If you cut out all grains and replace the calories with butter and cheese and jerky, it's not going to be good for you either.
After trying various plans and the 17 Day Diet (which I did NOT enjoy), I've found (personally, this is just me) that the more whole, unprocessed foods I eat, the better I feel and more control I have over my weight. I also find this to be the most sustainable solution in my life. Again, that's just me.
I think it's good to check with your doctor who knows your particular health and body issues before making such drastic changes.
Doctors know next to nothing about nutrition. You are better off doing your own research rather than trusting what a doctor or government says is good for you.0 -
@ Greg:
Well, talk to a nutritionist then. They specialize and are current on the diets and more reliable than message boards.
Most research you will find yourself was conducted by doctors and/or government, so pick your poison, I guess.0 -
Very interesting conversation. When I first started losing weight I cut all carbs except fruits and veggies and I lost almost 50 pounds. Since then, I've re-introduced some carbs - in limited amounts (I'm an insulin dependent diabetic) and despite exercise and counting calories my weight loss has come to a halt. It's nice that I've figured out how to maintain a weight over the last year, but I would like to lose another 20 pounds. I think this may be my wake up call to go back to what worked before!0
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@ Greg:
Well, talk to a nutritionist then. They specialize and are current on the diets and more reliable than message boards.
Most research you will find yourself was conducted by doctors and/or government, so pick your poison, I guess.
Most research is done by scientists, not primary care physicians.0 -
@ Greg:
A lot of research of this type is done by MD/PhD's - they carry both degrees. Though no, not the physician you will see at your clinic.0 -
Doing something similar, Protein Power Life Plan by Drs. Eades. Since November of "10 I've lost 117 lbs as of today. I've been keeping pretty close to my 1700 cal/day goals and exercise 5 days a week. I was very surprised that cutting out breads and grains ( I do eat low carb tortillas thought) has been as easy as it has. I get most of my carbs from vegetables and fruit, usually <40 grams of carbs per day.
My energy has increased significantly and I really have felt great overall. My stamina has been excellent and my performance during mountain biking has not suffered. Win-win! Blood pressure has dropped and blood tests have all gone back to normal ranges. Can't say enough about this new life style. And it is a life-style, not a fad diet!
Good luck and I hope this or another eating plan works as well for you.
Cheers!
I
Dr Eades!!! 0 -
@ Greg:
A lot of research of this type is done by MD/PhD's - they carry both degrees. Though no, not the physician you will see at your clinic.
I have had much better luck with taking my own health and well being into my own hands using myself as my own "test steak", you know the whole n=1 experiment.
No one knows their body better than oneself. We are merely sharing our experiences with the OP and others. It is up to her to decide what is best for her.
I don't think you can argue that eating whole, natural foods whether it be natural occurring animal fats, eggs, meat, vegetables and occasional fruit and nuts is a very healthy way to eat.0 -
(Grokette)
"I have had much better luck with taking my own health and well being into my own hands using myself as my own "test steak", you know the whole n=1 experiment.
No one knows their body better than oneself. We are merely sharing our experiences with the OP and others. It is up to her to decide what is best for her.
I don't think you can argue that eating whole, natural foods whether it be natural occurring animal fats, eggs, meat, vegetables and occasional fruit and nuts is a very healthy way to eat."
Of course. We all have to do what is best for ourselves.
Do you mean that eating whole foods IS a very healthy way to eat? Or that it isn't? My original point is that whole foods are the best way for ME to eat. Again, that's what is best for me. It is definitely a personal journey for all of us.0 -
(Grokette)
"I have had much better luck with taking my own health and well being into my own hands using myself as my own "test steak", you know the whole n=1 experiment.
No one knows their body better than oneself. We are merely sharing our experiences with the OP and others. It is up to her to decide what is best for her.
I don't think you can argue that eating whole, natural foods whether it be natural occurring animal fats, eggs, meat, vegetables and occasional fruit and nuts is a very healthy way to eat."
Of course. We all have to do what is best for ourselves.
Do you mean that eating whole foods IS a very healthy way to eat? Or that it isn't? My original point is that whole foods are the best way for ME to eat. Again, that's what is best for me. It is definitely a personal journey for all of us.
Yes, I am saying that eating whole, natural foods is very healthy.............
I personally believe that is a plan that EVERYONE could benefit from. I am not trying to sound snarky or anything, but anyone that tries to argue that we need processed foods in our eating plans is kidding themselves.
If that were the case the human race would have been wiped off the face of the earth long before any of us were every thought of.0 -
Thanks for all the information. I know that I have to do what's best for me and what is sustainable for me. I was just wondering if others have tried this type of diet. I'll be going back to my sports nutritionist soon and will ask her what her opinion is. Way to go to everyone on their achievements! I'm in awe of you all...0
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Hey! I've cut out wheat/sugar for the most part (I still eat them 1-2x a week), and I have felt incredible! I follow the primal lifestyle. I've had the same experiences as your friend. My blood pressure has gone from 160/100 to 130/79 in just a few months. My fasting blood sugar has decreased, as well as my fibromyalgia symptoms. I've lost ~30 lbs of pure fat while gaining muscle . I think you should give it a go, along with other diets, too. It takes about 30 days for a person to actually see how they acclimate to the diet/lifestyle. Track your biomarkers (blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, %bf, etc) and pay attention to how you feel.
If you do give the no grain/sugar thing a good go, make sure you get enough fat and protein. It is really easy to under eat while on this diet and you won't see much change if you don't. If I don't get enough fat, then I'll get headaches, but it is easily solved with something yummy like bacon, olives, cottage cheese.0 -
@RunningAggie Just remembered a book that was recommended to me by some other bikers, Paleo for Athletes. I haven't picked it up yet but I intend to once I hit my goal weight. Almost there. :-)0
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I get all my carbs from fruit & veggies (occassionally rice) and the weight melted off. Now that I'm maintaining, I'll have a sandwich once a week or so and some pasta & french fries (not together) usually once a week (and ice cream a couple times a week), but I try to finish consuming all of my grainy & sugary carbs within an hour to keep my blood sugar normal since diabetes is in my family and keeps me from being hungry afterwards (due to insulin).
Remember, whole grains spike the blood sugar just like non whole grains.0 -
primal is the way I typically eat, and I'm trying to see if I can get full paleo. I have the time, so I should be able to make the food for it all.
Today, yummy lunch:
Italian sausage!
16oz italian sausage from the refig. section at the grocery store
1 sweet onion
bunch of cilantro
fry it all up in your skillet with 3 tblspns of coconut oil.
Enjoy!
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