Cutting out wheat = weight loss?

dewsmom78

I have failed to lose any weight for the past 2 months of being on MFP, even with logging calories and working out 5 times a week. I constantly fluctuate between 132-135 lbs.

This week I have decided to give up splenda and sugar, and now contemplating going gluten free for a while. Has this worked for anyone to jump start some weight loss?

I am pretty desperate, so I'll try anything. I would like to lose at least 5 lbs by Mother's Day.

Mokey41

Weight loss isn't depended on a food group unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to that food. People who have a gluten issue usually lose weight because of the diarrhea caused by eating it. If you have weight to lose and it isn't coming off your probably need to re evaluate your calorie intake versus exercise not start blaming individual foods.

Acg67

I have failed to lose any weight for the past 2 months of being on MFP, even with logging calories and working out 5 times a week. I constantly fluctuate between 132-135 lbs.

This week I have decided to give up splenda and sugar, and now contemplating going gluten free for a while. Has this worked for anyone to jump start some weight loss?

I am pretty desperate, so I'll try anything. I would like to lose at least 5 lbs by Mother's Day.

Perhaps you're overeating?

Jorra

There's nothing magic about cutting something out of your diet. If you want to lose weight, you eat at a moderate calorie deficit. Gluten free products are no lower calorie than products with gluten.

Open your diary to the public so we can see what you're actually eating.

dewsmom78

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

Acg67

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

Jorra

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

dewsmom78

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

I am not at a healthy weight. I should be under 130 lbs for my height. My current body fat is 29.5 % which is too high as well. I'd be fine with my current weight if my body fat would go down about 5%.

Phrakman

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

^this.
Why are you eating back exercise calories if you calculated your TDEE (TDEE factors in exercise calories already) ? Stop eating them back, weightloss may then start to happen.

nokanjaijo

Cutting wheat and refined sugar out of my diet made me lose weight in that it caused me to lose interest in food. There is research that suggests refined sugar does increase hunger.

But, I have also seen tangential benefits that have convinced my that my body doesn't tolerate gluten well. So, it is also possible that I was eating a lot to ease a general feeling of malaise or being unwell caused by gluten.

It can't hurt you to try excising wheat from your diet. Give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes.

angelic843

Maybe try adding some non-starchy vegetable servings? Or an extra serving of lean program? It has worked for me in the past.

dewsmom78

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

^this.
Why are you eating back exercise calories if you calculated your TDEE (TDEE factors in exercise calories already) ? Stop eating them back, weightloss may then start to happen.

Ok, maybe I was confused there. So I should be eating my TDEE less the 20% and no more than that. Ok, we'll see if that helps. Thanks!

Phrakman

ok, maybe I was confused there. So I should be eating my TDEE less the 20% and no more than that. Ok, we'll see if that helps. Thanks!

No problem, its likely youve found your maintenance level calories now as youve been at the same weight for an extended amount of time. Dropping out the exercise calories should get you back into loss mode. Failing that recalculate your TDEE using a lower activity multiplier. So if you used lightly active, time to drop it to sedetary etc etc.

Jorra

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

I am not at a healthy weight. I should be under 130 lbs for my height. My current body fat is 29.5 % which is too high as well. I'd be fine with my current weight if my body fat would go down about 5%.

A woman with 5% body fat would be dead. 10-13% is the absolute minimum BF% for woman. The average woman has 25-31% body fat. You're in an acceptable range.

Carnivor0us

Cutting out wheat and starch worked for me in the past, and it works for me now. You could try it and see if it can help you in particular.

astrampe

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

This, if you are using the TDEE method and still eat your exercise calories you are eating too much and therefore not losing weight....

Malteaster

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

I am not at a healthy weight. I should be under 130 lbs for my height. My current body fat is 29.5 % which is too high as well. I'd be fine with my current weight if my body fat would go down about 5%.

A woman with 5% body fat would be dead. 10-13% is the absolute minimum BF% for woman. The average woman has 25-31% body fat. You're in an acceptable range.

I think the OP is saying she wants to go down by 5% which would be 24% not go down to 5%.

kellijauch

Alot of people "plateau", which means you lose a certain amount, and then you just kinda stay there. When this happens you need to change up your exercise regimine. You have to increase the amount or intensity of your exercises in order to lose those last few stubborn pounds.

You can also look into a colon cleanse. It's not pretty, but it helps.

WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr

Just remember if you try gluten free products, read your labels, most gluten free products are higher in sugar than their gluten counterparts.


Edit for spelling

BarbieAS

Cutting out wheat and other grains, as well as most sugars, is working for me. I absolutely do not think that (excluding certain medical issues) cutting out a food group is a magic bullet for anyone that will cause the weight to come flying off. However, for me, it basically eliminates a lot of snacky, less filling options (like pretzels, crackers, etc) and forces me to choose my foods that are high in bulk (fiber/water content) - veggies, beans, etc - or high in protein - lean meats, dairy, etc. This makes it a lot easier for me to stay within my calorie goals because the foods I'm eating are more filling for less calories. Plus, I'm noticing that I'm just not feeling hungry as often. I think there's also a blood sugar component in addition to the foods being filling that's helping that aspect.

And, I actually truly feel that this way of eating is sustainable for me. Yes, of course, I plan to have an occasional treat of pizza or fresh bakery bread or something every once in awhile, it's not all or nothing for me. But day to day, I'm really happy eating this way.

So, to answer your question, you can try it. Like I said, it won't be magic, you still have to meet your deficit/exercise goals. But, if you think it's something that you think could help you do that, it's not going to hurt you to give it a try. Worst case is in 4-6 weeks you realize that it's not helping so you re-introduce those foods.

ndj1979

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

^this.
Why are you eating back exercise calories if you calculated your TDEE (TDEE factors in exercise calories already) ? Stop eating them back, weightloss may then start to happen.

Ok, maybe I was confused there. So I should be eating my TDEE less the 20% and no more than that. Ok, we'll see if that helps. Thanks!

yes, you were eating at maintenance which is why no loss.

KenosFeoh

Cutting out wheat is not a problem nutritionally speaking. You wouldn't be doing your health any harm, so why not try it; see how it goes.

cwolfman13

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

There is no eating of exercise calories if you're eating at a deficit to your TDEE, as TDEE includes exercise

^this.
Why are you eating back exercise calories if you calculated your TDEE (TDEE factors in exercise calories already) ? Stop eating them back, weightloss may then start to happen.

Yeah...I'm going to say this is the problem...you're eating back exercise calories per the MFP method but using the TDEE method to calculate your calorie goal.

If you use the MFP method, you're supposed to eat back exercise calories as MFP doesn't include exercise in it's daily activity...MFP uses your NEAT (Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) which is just what you burn daily without any exercise whatsoever...therefore exercise is "extra" activity and needs to be fueled.

The TDEE method includes all of your activity, including an estimate of your workout routine. If you are eating back exercise calories using the TDEE method, you're completely defeating the purpose.

This is the problem...not a particular food.

cleotherio

Cutting out wheat and other grains, as well as most sugars, is working for me. I absolutely do not think that (excluding certain medical issues) cutting out a food group is a magic bullet for anyone that will cause the weight to come flying off. However, for me, it basically eliminates a lot of snacky, less filling options (like pretzels, crackers, etc) and forces me to choose my foods that are high in bulk (fiber/water content) - veggies, beans, etc - or high in protein - lean meats, dairy, etc. This makes it a lot easier for me to stay within my calorie goals because the foods I'm eating are more filling for less calories. Plus, I'm noticing that I'm just not feeling hungry as often. I think there's also a blood sugar component in addition to the foods being filling that's helping that aspect.

And, I actually truly feel that this way of eating is sustainable for me. Yes, of course, I plan to have an occasional treat of pizza or fresh bakery bread or something every once in awhile, it's not all or nothing for me. But day to day, I'm really happy eating this way.

So, to answer your question, you can try it. Like I said, it won't be magic, you still have to meet your deficit/exercise goals. But, if you think it's something that you think could help you do that, it's not going to hurt you to give it a try. Worst case is in 4-6 weeks you realize that it's not helping so you re-introduce those foods.

^^I totally agree with this post. I avoid carb snacks and don't rely on bread or starchy stuff for meals, but I don't avoid it all together. Protein and fat keep me filled up longer and I tend to eat less than when I eat a lot of carbs. I usually snack on hummus & veggies, nuts, yogurt, cottage cheese; and don't even include a starch for most dinners. I just eat extra veggies and protein.

BarbieAS

And....I just noticed all the other posts re: TDEE. I'd definitely start there! Good luck! :flowerforyou:

dewsmom78

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

I am not at a healthy weight. I should be under 130 lbs for my height. My current body fat is 29.5 % which is too high as well. I'd be fine with my current weight if my body fat would go down about 5%.

A woman with 5% body fat would be dead. 10-13% is the absolute minimum BF% for woman. The average woman has 25-31% body fat. You're in an acceptable range.

I meant lose 5% body fat, please see above, I didn't say I only wanted 5% body fat.

Jorra

I have been eating my TDEE which is 1800 - 20%. So around 1400 net calories. I usually eat most of my exercise calories.

I really don't think I am overeating. I am 5'2. 134lbs, 34 years old.

You already seem to be at a healthy weight. It's much harder and slower weight loss when you have so little to lose.

I am not at a healthy weight. I should be under 130 lbs for my height. My current body fat is 29.5 % which is too high as well. I'd be fine with my current weight if my body fat would go down about 5%.

A woman with 5% body fat would be dead. 10-13% is the absolute minimum BF% for woman. The average woman has 25-31% body fat. You're in an acceptable range.

I meant lose 5% body fat, please see above, I didn't say I only wanted 5% body fat.

My bad. It's been a long day. You scared me!

caribougal

I agree with the above folks about TDEE... sounds like you've got a revised plan there.

I'm about the same as you... 5'1, a little older at 43. I started when I weighed 140, and plateaued for a good long while at 130. Then it took a while to drop down to 125 and I hung there for a while. Now I'm finally starting to lose again to get to goal. When you're only 10-15 pounds overweight, losing weight in a healthy, sustainable way will probably be a slow process. One slow pound at a time. Be patient. It may not happen by Mother's day, but you'll want to made diet changes you can sustain.

ldrosophila

Have you doctor test for Celiac's disease if you think that might be the issue.