Whole Wheats...

sarahwilson12
sarahwilson12 Posts: 70 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Okay... so, I'm pretty much ignorant when it comes to nutrition. Growing up, my family ate very little compared to other families since both of my parents are British. Needless to say, it was a big shock when I started dating my husband, as his family does eat a lot - they sure do love their meat! We've kinda come to a balance in between the two families, as we're both now counting calories & exercising more frequently.

So, that was the background info.

My question is this:
Does changing to whole wheats from white stuff (bread, rice, pasta), really make a significant difference?

I'd really appreciate your help here. We both want to lose weight, and it's been a slow process. Neither of us like the taste of whole wheat stuff (especially me, as texture is a big thing for me). Neither of us had a lot of whole wheat stuff growing up, though my hubby's parents have changed things drastically since they both have diabetes.

I guess I'm just wondering if I just need to suck it up & make the change. I'm a bit worried that it'll be more expensive, but I realize if it's much healthier, it's worth it.

I'd appreciate your feedback :smile:
Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,201 Member
    All about context and dosage. My diet is high in fiber from the vast amount of vegetables I consume daily. Whole wheat will not improve this and on a calorie for calorie basis vegetables are a far better source of nutrients. Basically I see no need to eat food that are whole wheat if I like white pasta and if I want that white hamburger bun I'm going to eat it. People take things to extremes and it's seems to be a very popular concept in North America.
  • sarahwilson12
    sarahwilson12 Posts: 70 Member
    Good point. I've just been seeing a lot about how starchy stuff (white stuff, basically) turns into sugar, which then turns into fat. But, you're right on with the whole "all in moderation" mentality - definitely something that gets overlooked way too much!
  • Binkie1955
    Binkie1955 Posts: 329 Member
    No. whole wheat is just as bad as bleached. grain products are not really food for people, grains are for animals to fatten them up typically. you are a carnivore however.
  • loislenski
    loislenski Posts: 89 Member
    Calorie wise it isn't much of a difference but whole wheat has a ton more fiber (white flour has pretty much nil). I grew up with whole wheat flour so that's what I'm used to. If you want to transition into it I would suggest using half and half in baking until you get used to it.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,201 Member
    No. whole wheat is just as bad as bleached. grain products are not really food for people, grains are for animals to fatten them up typically. you are a carnivore however.
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  • meadow_sage
    meadow_sage Posts: 308 Member
    We are omnivores, not carnivores. Eating grains is a personal decision, lots of people do and lots of people don't...there are both healthy and unhealthy people on both sides of the spectrum. This is one of those things that you have to do a little research...weigh the pros and cons and decide if it's right for you. At this time, I eat them but that could change. I would like to try eliminating them for a while and seeing if it has any impact on my allergy issues. Good luck!
  • HeyGoRun
    HeyGoRun Posts: 550 Member
    Good point. I've just been seeing a lot about how starchy stuff (white stuff, basically) turns into sugar, which then turns into fat. But, you're right on with the whole "all in moderation" mentality - definitely something that gets overlooked way too much!

    If you dont use the sugar it will turn into fat, so basically eat and burn.. whole wheat bread bloats me i stay away!!.. instead change to tortillas or wraps that have a high fiber content... good luck!
  • kupster76
    kupster76 Posts: 4
    Here's my take on whole wheat. You have to do what is best for your family, because there is no "right" answer, it is all a personal preference. When I eat grains (rice, pasta, breads, etc.), I try to stick with the ones with the higher amount fiber per serving- this helps keep you fuller longer. I have personally switched to whole grain pasta and bread, these give me the fiber that I am looking for but not the gritty taste and feel of some of the whole wheat products
  • sharonfoustmills
    sharonfoustmills Posts: 519 Member
    I can tell you from my personal experience that changing from whites to whole wheats helps to control my appetitie, the whole wheat fills me quicker, keeps me filling full longer and I don't have sugar crashes that I had with the whites.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,201 Member
    Good point. I've just been seeing a lot about how starchy stuff (white stuff, basically) turns into sugar, which then turns into fat. But, you're right on with the whole "all in moderation" mentality - definitely something that gets overlooked way too much!
    All carbs are converted to sugar and starchy carbs have more of them which includes root vegetables, like sweet potato. The problem is for some reason people think there's less conversion to sugar with whole wheat, there's not, it's the same, just slower if a meal only consisted of just whole wheat. When you combine white refined flour or whole wheat flour within the context of a meal or balanced diet, there really is no significant difference. Basically it's nutritional dissection which generally has created the bad and good food philosophies.
  • BluejayNY
    BluejayNY Posts: 301 Member
    I love whole wheat and it is a large portion of my diet. I find it helps me to feel full and it prevents me from having issues with my blood sugar. If I eat refined carbs I tend to feel lightheaded and shaky before it is time for my next meal.

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