Anyone have success from eliminating wheat?

courtneywiens
courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
in Food and Nutrition
A few people have told me recently that they have stopped eating wheat and it has really given them a lot of success with weight loss and improved mood, energy, etc...does anyone on here have any experience from eliminating (or cutting back on) wheat? Not looking for a fad or quick fix, just always looking to improve upon what I'm already doing.
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Replies

  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    Unless you have a medical condition, there is no need to eliminate anything.

    Calorie deficit=weight loss.
  • _John_
    _John_ Posts: 8,646 Member
    I was miserable when I "accidentally" cut out grains in an otherwise mostly whole food diet. I say "accidentally" because i went like 2 months eating essentially paleo but not thinking about it that way.

    It did unthinkable things with my poop that was cured by adding back oatmeal and PB&J's.

    I was probably getting 40-60 grams of fiber from fruit and veggies at the time, so it wasn't just a lack of fiber (most grains are not as great of fiber sources in the foods typically consumed as made out anyway).
  • InForBacon
    InForBacon Posts: 1,508 Member
    I eliminate it from my system every time I drop a deuce.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    You can cut it out and see how you feel it wont hurt you, but you've come so far and worked so hard. Why do you think you need to incorporate a food restriction into your diet?

    My only experience with removing wheat is my clients who have celiac's or my little sister who has celiac's. This is of course a terrible disease with them and they have no choice.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member

    I was probably getting 40-60 grams of fiber from fruit and veggies at the time, so it wasn't just a lack of fiber (most grains are not as great of fiber sources in the foods typically consumed as made out anyway).


    I have a doctor who argues this with me all the time. He is convinced broccoli is the best source of fiber despite showing him that it would take 2 cups to meet the same amount in 1 slice of whole grain bread. We just go round and round.
  • LindaStL64
    LindaStL64 Posts: 12 Member
    I've eliminated all flour from my diet. Not just wheat. I think it has helped with bloating. For a while I had more energy but that seems to be going away. Not sure why.
  • courtneywiens
    courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
    I'm not talking about eliminating all carbohydrates or all grains. Just wheat. Not asking for opinions if you think it's a bad idea. Just asking if anyone has had success with it. If you haven't, then feel free to not comment on this thread.
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    And Jesus broke the bread and gave it to each of his disciples and said...Don't ever eat this it will kill you and make you fat...or something like that.

    Seriously though, When I first lost my weight I did low carb and did not eat bread products for a long time....Since i have resolved to be less crazy I will never not have bread/buns/bagels/croissants as a normal part of my diet. I have a 3 fold increase in energy as I have increased my carb intake.

    I would say, only remove it if you have some sort of genuine intolerance. Otherwise learn to coexist with the bread.
  • courtneywiens
    courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
    Thanks for your insight, that is interesting!
  • courtneywiens
    courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
    And Jesus broke the bread and gave it to each of his disciples and said...Don't ever eat this it will kill you and make you fat...or something like that.

    Seriously though, When I first lost my weight I did low carb and did not eat bread products for a long time....Since i have resolved to be less crazy I will never not have bread/buns/bagels/croissants as a normal part of my diet. I have a 3 fold increase in energy as I have increased my carb intake.

    I would say, only remove it if you have some sort of genuine intolerance. Otherwise learn to coexist with the bread.

    Hahaha thanks! I do feel sluggish and lethargic when I eat more bread, and I feel more energetic when I eat mainly veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, and fruit. I don't want to cut anything out 100% but I've noticed that as I've been eating more wheat I do feel kind of icky sometimes. Anyway this is funny and helpful so thanks!!
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    Unless you have a medical condition, there is no need to eliminate anything.

    Calorie deficit=weight loss.

    Agreed
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    A friend brought up another good point regarding the weight loss effect of reducing a carbohydrate source like wheat. So you reduce your total carb intake by reducing wheat but your body still needs fuel (carbs) so it takes it from your glycogen stores. Glycogen binds to water so you get a nice diuretic effect which leads to big weight loss initially. It is not extra fat, its water weight but it tends to provide that immediate feedback and think its a magical thing but it is a mirage.
  • darkangel45422
    darkangel45422 Posts: 234 Member
    I follow a Primal lifestyle but as a result rarely if ever eat wheat anymore (the occasional situation arises where I do, usually lunches at work/school that provide sandwiches and nothing else, etc.). I've had no negative side effects whatsoever (won't comment on positives as other aspects of my diet are still abysmal so it'd skew any results anyway). I do find however that I eat more healthy foods as a result.

    Personally, I'd say try it. It's not like eliminating wheat from your diet is irreversible; you can feel free to indulge whenever you want, but it's incredibly rare that I hear of anyone who's had issues as a result, and very common that people do well eliminating wheat. Try it and see how it goes for you.
  • askeates
    askeates Posts: 1,490 Member
    I had to remove all gluten (wheat & barley products) from my diet due to intollerance issues. It helped with my joint pain, bloating, bowel issues, and sleeplessness. It was not a miracle weight loss though. I still have to work just as hard to lose weight as I did before, it is just now I have to be very careful and read labels.

    If you do not have celiacs or an allergy I do not think this is the way you want to go to lose weight.
  • castlerobber
    castlerobber Posts: 528 Member
    I do feel sluggish and lethargic when I eat more bread, and I feel more energetic when I eat mainly veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, and fruit. I don't want to cut anything out 100% but I've noticed that as I've been eating more wheat I do feel kind of icky sometimes.

    Some people can be intolerant of wheat, or sensitive to it, without having full-blown celiac disease. There's no nutrient in wheat that you can't get from other foods; it isn't essential at all. If you feel better when you don't eat wheat, then it's fine not to eat it.
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I do feel sluggish and lethargic when I eat more bread, and I feel more energetic when I eat mainly veggies, lean protein, healthy fats, and fruit. I don't want to cut anything out 100% but I've noticed that as I've been eating more wheat I do feel kind of icky sometimes.

    Some people can be intolerant of wheat, or sensitive to it, without having full-blown celiac disease. There's no nutrient in wheat that you can't get from other foods; it isn't essential at all. If you feel better when you don't eat wheat, then it's fine not to eat it.

    Exactly! No one needs to eat wheat. If you think that you might have a gluten intolerance, there are tests for it. It's good to know, because if you have celiac disease, then you need to cut out 100% of gluten from your diet. People with gluten intolerance often need to be that strict too. It's not a matter of eating less wheat.
  • CardiacKev28
    CardiacKev28 Posts: 172 Member
    I chose to go gluten free because I have asthma and I have found that I breathe a lot easier. I thought I was going to miss it but I really don't. When I want a sandwich I will use Rudi's bread which I have found to be fantastic. There are a lot of GF products out there but I choose just to stay away from them but when I want some thing there are great substitues like the Rudi's or DeBoles pasta out there. I feel fantastic now. I hope this helps and good luck!
  • delicious_cocktail
    delicious_cocktail Posts: 5,797 Member
    I tried to eliminate wheat from my diet once.

    It was the worst, most hellish experience of my adult life.

    For thirty days I had the bread shakes. I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold grain sweats. About twenty days in I woke up in the middle of a wheat field in Oklahoma. My feet were bloody and my pajamas in tatters. Did I mention that I'm from Louisiana?

    Got so bad around day 25 that I thought I could hear amber waves of grain talking to me. Literally, telling me to put them inside me.

    I'm not hungry anymore, and I am no longer going through that pain. Join me. Eat the wheat. Let it rule you like the benevolent king it is. You shan't regret it. We promise.
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    I tried to eliminate wheat from my diet once.

    It was the worst, most hellish experience of my adult life.

    For thirty days I had the bread shakes. I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold grain sweats. About twenty days in I woke up in the middle of a wheat field in Oklahoma. My feet were bloody and my pajamas in tatters. Did I mention that I'm from Louisiana?

    Got so bad around day 25 that I thought I could hear amber waves of grain talking to me. Literally, telling me to put them inside me.

    I'm not hungry anymore, and I am no longer going through that pain. Join me. Eat the wheat. Let it rule you like the benevolent king it is. You shan't regret it. We promise.
    sing it!
  • delicious_cocktail
    delicious_cocktail Posts: 5,797 Member
    sing it!

    Wheat is mighty neat!
    Controlled both of my feet!
    Though I once tried to delete
    It now makes us complete.

    EAT EAT EAT WHEAT
    EAT EAT EAT WHEAT
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I tried to eliminate wheat from my diet once.

    It was the worst, most hellish experience of my adult life.

    For thirty days I had the bread shakes. I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold grain sweats. About twenty days in I woke up in the middle of a wheat field in Oklahoma. My feet were bloody and my pajamas in tatters. Did I mention that I'm from Louisiana?

    Got so bad around day 25 that I thought I could hear amber waves of grain talking to me. Literally, telling me to put them inside me.

    I'm not hungry anymore, and I am no longer going through that pain. Join me. Eat the wheat. Let it rule you like the benevolent king it is. You shan't regret it. We promise.

    I had a similar experience when I stopped eating wheat, after being tested for celiac disease, and within 6 weeks I felt better than I've felt in my entire adult life. It was pretty bad for a while though, though not nearly as bad as what happens if I accidentally eat gluten now.

    Gluten sensitivity isn't very well understood, so if someone says that he or she feels better without it, and that person is sticking with it, even though it means no beer and no pizza, I'm totally supportive.
  • Cranquistador
    Cranquistador Posts: 39,744 Member
    sing it!

    Wheat is mighty neat!
    Controlled both of my feet!
    Though I once tried to delete
    It now makes us complete.

    EAT EAT EAT WHEAT
    EAT EAT EAT WHEAT
    *snort* do you have pompoms?
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    YES. See below. And I had no diagnosed "condition" or doctor instruction to stop eating wheat (and sugar). I was prediabetic though-but no advice to change my diet was provided except for BS. The health improvements are too many to list and I'm also not going ot waste my time just to be ridiculed- because it's sooooo illogical that what we eat matters to health. Whatever.

    I eat rib eye steaks, mushrooms fried in butter, salads soaked in healthy oils, bacon, eggs, etc. Do you really think I miss a bland piece of bread? And do I feel "deprived" now that I'm no longer sick and 70 pounds lighter? Nope.
  • delicious_cocktail
    delicious_cocktail Posts: 5,797 Member
    @akimajuktuq, & zebra; don't take my silly writing as derision toward people who don't/can't/choose not to eat wheat. It matters one whit not what other people choose to eat, to me. Don't feel insulted.
  • courtneywiens
    courtneywiens Posts: 148 Member
    YES. See below. And I had no diagnosed "condition" or doctor instruction to stop eating wheat (and sugar). I was prediabetic though-but no advice to change my diet was provided except for BS. The health improvements are too many to list and I'm also not going ot waste my time just to be ridiculed- because it's sooooo illogical that what we eat matters to health. Whatever.

    I eat rib eye steaks, mushrooms fried in butter, salads soaked in healthy oils, bacon, eggs, etc. Do you really think I miss a bland piece of bread? And do I feel "deprived" now that I'm no longer sick and 70 pounds lighter? Nope.

    It's great you found what works for you. There's definitely no one-size-fits-all formula. Great job on the 70 pounds! :)
  • lua_
    lua_ Posts: 258 Member
    I tried to eliminate wheat from my diet once.

    It was the worst, most hellish experience of my adult life.

    For thirty days I had the bread shakes. I would wake up in the middle of the night in cold grain sweats. About twenty days in I woke up in the middle of a wheat field in Oklahoma. My feet were bloody and my pajamas in tatters. Did I mention that I'm from Louisiana?

    Got so bad around day 25 that I thought I could hear amber waves of grain talking to me. Literally, telling me to put them inside me.

    I'm not hungry anymore, and I am no longer going through that pain. Join me. Eat the wheat. Let it rule you like the benevolent king it is. You shan't regret it. We promise.

    This. Join us. We have sandwiches.
  • 1968samuel
    1968samuel Posts: 176 Member
    My husband eliminated wheat from his diet for medical reasons and lost a lot of weight. And he wasn't real heavy to begin with- grrrr!! Weight loss is so easy for him!! :mad:

    I haven't totally eliminated anything from my diet, but I do limit bread, pasta, and sweets. I feel great and the weight is coming off nicely, but I'm also eating at a deficit and working out.

    Best of luck to you! You look fabulous by the way! Great work! :flowerforyou:
  • joyincincy
    joyincincy Posts: 228 Member
    Unless you have a medical condition, there is no need to eliminate anything.

    Calorie deficit=weight loss.

    I would agree with this mostly, however most people will never know they have some kind of adverse reaction to wheat until they eliminate it for a period of time and then reintroduce it to their diets. I did the elimination/reintroduction thing 3 times and discovered that my body reacts with severe inflammation in the joints and such. So, I have completely gotten rid of it now. Trust me, this is no quick fix to weight loss, anyone who wants that to happen should go try some fad diet like Medifast or other shake diet. However, they probably have gluten in them, too :wink:

    If you do try it, one outcome you may find interesting is that you do not crave sweets as much (if you ever did). I am a huge fan of sweets, still eat them every night in fact, but I don't require the store-bought, high calorie crazy sweet stuff anymore. Just nice, low glycemic, low calorie desserts that I can make at home for a fraction of the cost (to pocket & body).

    BTW - my reintroduction/elimination process took over almost a year (actually longer if I count other attempts and the not-planned reintroductions) as I would eliminate for 3 months to make sure that what I was experiencing truly was from wheat.
  • MelRC117
    MelRC117 Posts: 911 Member
    Well....I haven't elminated wheat specifically or completely but I also do low carb. I feel more energy when I eat less carbs and more calories in fat and protein. I do know others that have had the opposite effect.
  • NeverCatchYourBreath
    NeverCatchYourBreath Posts: 197 Member
    Well, seeing as how if you eliminate wheat from your diet you're eliminating anything fried in a wheat flour based batter, sugary cereals that people tend to over-consume, calorie rideen breakfast items like biscuits, etc... then I could see how people could have success with it...

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