wheat belly

Just read Wheat Belly and wonder if anyone has tried this and if you are successful?
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Replies

  • TheVimFuego
    TheVimFuego Posts: 2,412 Member
    Read it a while ago, by all accounts it's scare-mongering.

    Unless you have a diagnosed issue then there is no reason to, or metabolic magic in, restricting anything.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,261 Member
    The author is selling a low carb book and wheat with it's current controversy is a great marketing tool to disguise his low carb stance......smart, all the way to the bank.
  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
    Read it a while ago, by all accounts it's scare-mongering.

    Unless you have a diagnosed issue then there is no reason to, or metabolic magic in, restricting anything.

    This.

    No need to cut things out of your diet unless there is a medical need to do so. I've read the book... I think it's pretty much all crap. Don't waste time or money reading most diet books that are telling you a food group or ingredient is wrong.

    Everyone seems to think now they shouldn't have gluten or wheat because it causes problems for SOME people.
  • sunshinefunk
    sunshinefunk Posts: 9 Member
    It has the diet book feel, but also makes some good points. I think I'm in really good shape except for my belly sticks out, so I'm ready to try anything!
  • nino07110922
    nino07110922 Posts: 2,149
    Sunshine - does your belly stick out all the time, or is it especially after eating grains? I'm celiac - gluten intolerant. If I have too much bread, you can see my stomach swell... then I'm uncomfortable for a long time after. Unless you have those types of issues, there shouldn't be a need to cut those things.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    I started reading it about 2 months ago but just couldn't get through it. I just didn't respond well to the author's way of getting points across & I lost confidence in just about everything he said due to that.

    However, I am as low carb as it gets, (<30 g per day) no starch, no sugar. After implementing that plan, I introduced a small amount of 'healthy whole grain' as a snack & felt bloated & crappy the rest of the day. That alone was enough for me to swear off grains.

    It wasn't due to the book though :ohwell: Gary Taubs is another one that just totally turned me off. :huh: While I do believe in the principals of both of these author's theories/ideas, it was *not* because of anything they've said, oddly enough, quite the contrary. :wink:
  • sunshinefunk
    sunshinefunk Posts: 9 Member
    Nino, it does seem worse after eating grain, especially cereal, thick crust pizza, or white bread. The author of wheat belly also suggests skin problems, such as acne and dandruff could be a reaction to wheat. I have mild types of both, so it might be worth a try?
  • StacyReneO
    StacyReneO Posts: 317 Member
    My boyfriend read the book and tried it. About a week in he gave up, bought a Paleo book and we've been Paleo ever since.
  • onwarddownward
    onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
    I tried it, read it. He advocates completely eliminating, not just wheat, but:

    Corn
    Starches
    Potatoes
    A lot of fruit
    Some veggies
    Rice
    Soy sauce
    Milk
    Cheese

    Plus, mainly avoid meats, too. This isn't even a complete list!

    Basically it's vegan and even extreme for vegans.

    It made me nearly quit working on my bod. For me, it's unsustainable.
  • aetzkorn14
    aetzkorn14 Posts: 169 Member
    Ive done low carb and got good results initially, but long term it is hard and unrealistic. Not saying doesn't work for some, it just didn't for me. I am trying so hard to get stronger and gain muscle and I need that extra starchy carb to help with energy. With that being said my starchy carbs are usually steel cut oats, couscous, or quinoa or things of that nature. If it is going to be something you yo-yo with I wouldn't bother. I gained after I got off of the low carb which made it a worse experience.
  • onwarddownward
    onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
    I still usually don't eat bread, but being told I can NEVER have it again is a sure fire way to make me nuts.
  • I haven't read the book and risk sounding irrelevant here but assuming you are asking about cutting out starch (specifically bread) I can answer such a question.

    Cutting out starch honestly has helped me lose a lot of weight (I started out weighing more than my ticker says). Cutting it also helps beat the bloat. Hence, why some fruits are also cut out in the 'Wheat Belly' diet. Fruits when eaten in large quantities do make you bloat, believe me, I know. But your body gets used to it and after awhile or regular large-quantity fruit eating your body will stop bloating from it. Point being, I've always found high-starch foods such as bread and pasta to be completely different. Once I realized this, I cut my already lessened intake of starch right off.

    No more bread for me. No more pasta. And, guess what? I've finally lost my belly. It is gone; flat. I feel better than I ever did. It was hard at first with plenty of trial and error but well worth it.

    So if this answers anything my grand point is go for the 'Wheat Belly' lifestyle. If not, then oops.
  • cwilliams080676
    cwilliams080676 Posts: 118 Member
    eh, I read it and I couldn't do it. I love cheese my wraps, and my occasional sub.
    I think this eating is way more than low carb
  • Lyadeia
    Lyadeia Posts: 4,603 Member
    It's scare mongering and psuedo science at its best. It is designed to have the look and feel of real science, when what it really has are a couple of facts that are twisted and mangled so it looks as though they are somehow connected.

    I don't have the links right now, but I have seen pages on the internet where this book and type of thinking altogether was debunked.
  • knittnponder
    knittnponder Posts: 1,953 Member
    I started to read it but couldn't finish it. I've been gluten free for over a year because I am intolerant and have reactions to it. However, in that year I did not lose any weight just by going gluten free, which means I was wheat free by default. In fact, I gained weight while I was experimenting with creating all these gluten free alternatives to the foods I had eaten before. I am grain free now because I still have some food intolerance issues that I'm trying to pin point so I end up being lower carb by default but I still don't think I'll magically lose weight because of it. Although, I am not eating as many calories because I get satisfied with a lot less it seems.
  • Scubanana7
    Scubanana7 Posts: 361 Member
    I dropped wheat (I am diabetic and 58) and didn't notice a lot. Then I dropped ALL grains. The weight started moving down again and I got more benefits that I ever imagined. Seasonal allergies and the daily claritin went AWAY. I haven't had a headache since I dropped the grains--seriously. My constant gassy tummy became UNgassy. I used to sleep 12-14 hours a day and still feel tired. Now I can get by on 5-7 hours/night and I work out like crazy (never under 90 minutes--most days 2 hours). I feel fantastic. I eat low carb, high fat, moderate protein. I dropped my a1c and my cholesterol (40 points) in 4 months.

    I don't consider anything about my WOE a fad--so please don't start attacking me for it. I feel good. My numbers are good. Low-Carb haters--enjoy your diet plan and leave me to mine--please. I tried numerous plans before I got to the one that works for me.

    OP--I'm not telling you what to do, only reporting my personal success. Good luck.
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  • sunshinefunk
    sunshinefunk Posts: 9 Member
    Thanks everyone for the input! I will be lowering my wheat intake because I feel better when I do, but I don't think I can go completely wheat free and maintain it for the rest of my life.
  • shannashannabobana
    shannashannabobana Posts: 625 Member
    I've been minimizing wheat (haven't cut out completely) and it has helped me restart weight loss after a plateau. So, big fan! But I haven't read the book. I'm also trying to keep sugar on the low side.

    It doesn't have to be low carb, though. Potatoes, rice, certain veggies, etc...all have carbs. All I would say is try it and see how you feel. Mostly it helps you cut out a bunch of processed crap and empty calories like bread.
    being told I can NEVER have it again is a sure fire way to make me nuts
    Ha! Same. That's why I say I'm 'minimizing' X, Y or Z. Ultimately, it's silly to worry about someone telling you you can't have X, because it's all in your control unless you are deathly allergic.
    I gained weight while I was experimenting with creating all these gluten free alternatives to the foods I had eaten before
    Good point. If you do it cut out wheat, I wouldn't try to create fake versions of bread, etc...Just cut it out. If you look at the calorie counts for meals without, you'll be amazed that a big hunk of steak and some veggies is actually really low cal when you don't eat the bread. That's been my biggest revelation.
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    I dropped wheat (I am diabetic and 58) and didn't notice a lot. Then I dropped ALL grains. The weight started moving down again and I got more benefits that I ever imagined. Seasonal allergies and the daily claritin went AWAY. I haven't had a headache since I dropped the grains--seriously. My constant gassy tummy became UNgassy. I used to sleep 12-14 hours a day and still feel tired. Now I can get by on 5-7 hours/night and I work out like crazy (never under 90 minutes--most days 2 hours). I feel fantastic. I eat low carb, high fat, moderate protein. I dropped my a1c and my cholesterol (40 points) in 4 months.

    I don't consider anything about my WOE a fad--so please don't start attacking me for it. I feel good. My numbers are good. Low-Carb haters--enjoy your diet plan and leave me to mine--please. I tried numerous plans before I got to the one that works for me.

    OP--I'm not telling you what to do, only reporting my personal success. Good luck.

    In the interest of full disclosure, I'm also T2D, 45 yrs old and grain free and feel better than I have in years. Just didn't particularly care for the author's style. It really *did* sound like far fetched fear mongering to me, but I'm after tight control, so this means grains, even 'healthy' whole grains are out for me.
  • amyrob56
    amyrob56 Posts: 27
    I know, another fad - but I started this in mid-June….and I have to say the results have been wonderful for me.
    I have lost 14lbs (yes I have also reduced other carbs and sugars as well - but that was much easier after I eliminated wheat).

    Beyond the weight loss - even more important to me has been:

    I am never Hungry!!! Snacking between meals does not occur to me anymore
    90% reduction in chronic joint pain (wrists, elbows, knees and back) = Amazing!!!
    100% reduction in acid reflex (I thought it was because I was drinking so much homemade wine - I’m still drinking the wine and the Acid Reflux is gone!)
    100% better sleep, fall asleep faster-stay asleep
    No more brain fog
    Much more energy.
    I can breath through my nose! I had horses growing up and always thought I was slightly allergic to either hay, grain dust or the horses themselves but I loved them more than dealing with not being able to breath through my nose. After horses were gone I just thought I had never learned to breath through my nose so that is why I still could/did not..... Now I breath through my nose and take deep breaths - all happened without my even noticing until one day Eureka I realized I was!

    I have not completely eliminated wheat but I try to avoid any obvious sources and do read lables very carefully. I am not particuarly intolerant - I can have some wheat and not experience the severe digestive issues some people do.

    However, I have noticed that when I do choose to or inadvertanly eat wheat these symptoms reappear almost immediately:
    joint pain
    increased cravings for more carbs
    stuffy head
  • amyrob56
    amyrob56 Posts: 27
    Just two more points -

    Lean meats and fats are a part of the Wheat Belly plan.

    Dr. Davis also explains why people who go "gluten-free" often do not lose weight and may even gain weight - it is because of the other "junk carbs" that are often substituted for wheat in gluten free processed foods and mixes. (like potato starch, etc.)

    Again, to each their own but I am in the camp where wheat reduction works for me!
  • hookilau
    hookilau Posts: 3,134 Member
    Just two more points -

    Lean meats and fats are a part of the Wheat Belly plan.

    Dr. Davis also explains why people who go "gluten-free" often do not lose weight and may even gain weight - it is because of the other "junk carbs" that are often substituted for wheat in gluten free processed foods and mixes. (like potato starch, etc.)

    Again, to each their own but I am in the camp where wheat reduction works for me!

    This was one of the first things I noticed upon reading the recipes. I have to do low carb in addition & the recipes are far from it :laugh: sooo....yep.
  • QuilterInVA
    QuilterInVA Posts: 672 Member
    Wheat is not a group of food. The wheat that we eat now has been GMO from what was available 50 years ago. Many people are now being diagnosed with Celiac disease - from wheat - and gluten intolerance - more wheat. It's not very smart to think this doesn't have some merit.
  • greenautumn17
    greenautumn17 Posts: 322 Member
    It is not vegan. He highly encourages eating meats, fats, and a plethora of vegetables. Many, many people can attest to the fact that eliminating grains brought about better health in myriad ways.
  • amyjpage
    amyjpage Posts: 97 Member
    I read the book and decided to cut back on my wheat intake, as I realized I was just consuming way too much! I find that I sleep much better, my skin is more clear and over all I feel that I have more energy.

    I don't agree with complete elimination of anything, but I do realize that too much of some things are not great either.

    Try it out, adjust, if you feel good with eating no or less wheat, why not?
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    No Effects of Gluten in Patients With Self-Reported Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity After Dietary Reduction of Fermentable, Poorly Absorbed, Short-Chain Carbohydrates

    http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0016-5085/PIIS0016508513007026.pdf

    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
  • magerum
    magerum Posts: 12,589 Member
    No Effects of Gluten in Patients With Self-Reported Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity After Dietary Reduction of Fermentable, Poorly Absorbed, Short-Chain Carbohydrates

    http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0016-5085/PIIS0016508513007026.pdf

    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

    In for anti-science & inevitable "I know my body" argument
  • I know those of us who have experienced the changes/improvements of a wheat reduced lifestyle will understand and those who haven't won't get this but wheat reduction in your food choices in not just about gluten. As I have said, I do not have a gluten intolerance - I don't have the tummy/digestive issues that gluten intolerant people have. But, I have experienced so many non-digestive improvements that mirror many of those who have tried wheat reduction or elimination. And I take issue with any one who thinks the decision to reduce or eliminate wheat from their food choices is not sustainable over a life span. For me wheat is no longer a food choice....perhaps like those who choose to not eat meat.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    Nino, it does seem worse after eating grain, especially cereal, thick crust pizza, or white bread. The author of wheat belly also suggests skin problems, such as acne and dandruff could be a reaction to wheat. I have mild types of both, so it might be worth a try?
    Give it a try if you think you have a food sensitivity. What's the harm in giving up bread for a month? Nothing.

    If I thought my running shoes were causing shin splints I'd stop wearing them....

    Do I think "Wheat Belly" is the answer to everything? No. Do I think that modern industrialized food production has changed wheat? Yes. Do I think some of us have issues digesting grocery store bought breads? Yes.

    So again: if you think you have an issue, try eliminating bread for a month. Or switch to a sprouted grain, or a bread with only a few ingredients you recognize and can pronounce.

    For me, with bread, if I can pronounce the ingredients I can usually digest them.
    But that's me.