About 2 weeks ago a colleague of mine attended a seminar put on by a local cardiologist, Dr. William Davis. He claims that the reason obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc are so high is due to our diets that are filled with abundant sources of wheat. Basically, whole wheat/whole grains are making us fat. When I first heard about this I rolled my eyes and told my colleague to let me know how it goes. Having a personal training and fitness background I was skeptical...but that quickly changed after I talked with her about the seminar.
After hearing her glowing remarks about what Dr. Davis said I checked out the website, Wheat Belly. After reading about how mutated and genetically altered our current wheat supply is and some of the negative effects it has on the body I decided to give the "wheat free" diet a try for a few weeks to see what happens.
Within 3 days I immediately felt great. My energy level was higher, my stomach (wheat belly) felt smaller, I was rarely ever hungry, and wasn't having night time cravings. There were definitely difficulties, including a huge headache on the 4th day and high irritability. I gave in and downed my fair share of pizza on the night of the 4th day and my headache instantly went away and the irritability was gone. The next day I woke up and felt hung over - swollen, headache, tired, kind of nauseous.
Another few days went by and my "Wheat Belly" book arrived. As I started reading those first few chapters I was shocked to read that what I had just experienced the past 4-5 days was outlined right there in the book. Wheat is like a drug and it tricks your body into wanting more, even when you're not hungry. No wonder I've been eating healthy whole grains and needing to eat every few hours because I'm hungry. By removing the wheat I'd removed the hunger, which was why after even 5-6 hours I was barely hungry. The irritability and headaches - similar to detoxing from a drug addiction.
I've now been at it for close to 2 weeks and I feel really good. I've have a few lapses over the 2 weeks, and my body immediately pays for it with that swollen feeling, a lack of energy the next day, and stomach "issues". It's definitely not easy, but it's also not very difficult. Trying to keep the mindset that this is a lifestyle change for my health and well being and not just for weight loss has been a big focus of mine, which I think has helped me stay the course.
I don't want to go into tons of details at this point, but I highly encourage you all to pick up a copy of "Wheat Belly" and give it a try. At some point in the next month, as I finish the book and make more progress, I'll blog about some other information in the book as well as my results.
Please feel free to leave any comments about results you've had and what your thoughts are. Thank you!
Alan, thanks for this post. I'll be interested to hear how you make out with the wheat-free diet. I'm slowly investigating the possibility of the paleo diet myself. When you say you're eating more whole grains, what types of grains are you consuming?
ReplyDeleteChris -
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've heard the diets are apparently very similar. Sorry for any confusion, but I WAS eating whole grains based on current nutrition claims. With wheat free there are no breads, cereals, etc. Oats & rices should be very limited (no more than 1/4 cup) and combined with high protein sources to limit the blood sugar response. In a few weeks I'll be posting more on the specific food guidelines. Good luck with everything. Please let me know how things go. I would love to hear about your progress.
Its great to read this coming from the perspective of a non-celiac. I have been spreading the word constantly among my family and friends, because I know there is a benefit for anyone who makes this lifestyle change. The book is so informative and I don't know how anyone could read it, and not make some serious changes.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Until hearing about the benefits I never really thought anything of it and thought this was specifically for those with celiac disease. The book & changes I've felt have been eye-opening.
DeleteBe careful though. There are a few Wheat Belly-ers who believe that high protein, of any source, is good. Ie. Bacon cooked in lard etc. and don't believe that their high cholesterol and blood pressure is a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteHigh protein of any source is not good, it needs to be clean meat from grass fed animals, no hormones or antibiotics and in small quantities. However the old idea that fat makes you fat is not true, instead wheat makes you fat! Also meat (again healthy meat) does not raise your cholesterol, actually it seems to be the reverse if you eat low fat your cholesterol goes up! If you eat Paleo, you have great blood tests and no more high blood pressure either...
DeleteI love reading all these stories about going "wheat free" because I KNOW it works from experience. I gave up grains and all processed food last January (2011) and have never looked back. I lost 34 lbs over the past year and definitely lost my "wheat belly."
ReplyDeleteAs you said in your blog, it is amazing how quickly you notice a difference in the way you feel and because of that, you don't want to go back to the "old way."
Good luck! I hope things continue to go well for you and that you can spread the word through this blog and through your work at the health club.
Thank you! It has been difficult erasing 25+ yr of these habits, but very much worth seeing/feeling the benefits.
DeleteGood luck on your journey! I've been off wheat for about 3 months and noticed much less hunger and less need to snack. Also better concentration. But if I backslide (pizza is a big weakness) I feel sick and sluggish in an hour or two and hungrier the next day. It really is an addiction.
ReplyDeleteVery true! It's crazy how wheat controls your mind the way it does.
Deletei have been paleo since June 2011. Haven't had a crumb of anything wheat since then. I no longer miss it and in fact tend to cringe when I see baked goods. I have never felt better in my life. Lost 30+ pounds, 3 sizes, have tons of energy and stunningly good blood tests. BTW I am 53 years old and was on Lipitor previously for 3 years.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I am 47 and was on a statin for 3 years, but quit and can't wait to see the new test results and then tell my doctor what I eat :-)
DeleteAwesome to hear about the positive changes you've both seen!
Delete@YOXOMO: My doctor kind of said, "in spite of your diet..." haha. What bad thing could he possiblysay when he saw glucose of 70, tri 46, and HDL 99??? Be prepared that your dr may not agree but you know you are doing the right thing. I am appalled that doctors are even prescribing statins for premenopausal women when there is NO evidence that it is protective. I am also appalled that I let it happen. Good luck YOXOMO!
DeleteI was eating Special K , whole wheat snadwiches ,nutrigrain bars thinking I was eating healthy , weight loss was so slow but once I heard about wheat belly I gave up the wheat products and now the weight comes off so much faster.I encourage everyone to try this .. keep going with it the changes are amazing
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear! I found myself in the same boat. I was eating whole wheat breads, pastas, and "healthy" cereals thinking it was the right thing. Excited for the long term changes!
DeleteHave been Paleo 80-20 for a little more than a month and really do not miss anything wheat. I do not eat bread or cereals anymore, no quinoa or other grains and only occasionally some rice. No more legumes either! Yes of course the pizza baking smells good, but I don't care. No longer hungry 30 minutes after eating breakfast, instead I now almost forget lunch! I do miss a "vessel" sometimes to put a slice of ham or turkey on or a cracker for an occasional piece of cheese, so I bake from the gluten free baking book and use almond flour and coconut floor and the crackers I recently made came out really nice! More energy, people complimenting and I seem to get younger instead of older ;-) well almost...Keep going! https://www.facebook.com/monique.dicarlo
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm looking forward to trying more recipes with almond flour to keep the foods more interesting.
DeleteI've been wheat free for 3 weeks. The biggest change I've noticed is that I'm NOT hungry all the time. I used to eat breakfast at 7:30 and I'd be starving by 10, etc. Now I eat breakfast and before I know it, it's 1:00. I've lost 12 lbs and do feel better.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear! I agree, it's amazing how hunger seems to disappear.
DeleteI have not read the book, but I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and after all that I have read determined I should go off of wheat, soy and dairy. It has only been almost a week, but I have lost 4 lbs, and I too am not hungry or light headed every few hours like I used to be. Looking forward to seeing if this brings me some relief from my disease. I will follow your blog to see how you are doing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBased on what I've read getting away from wheat should help with your arthritis. I wish you the best!
DeleteI read the Wheat Belly book about 6 months ago and started going wheat/grain, sugar free right away because it made so much sense. I did not have much weight to lose but wanted to be as healthy as possible. Unlike the rest of my family members, I can go easily 5-6 hours, even longer, without that grinding, awful feeling of hunger that makes you want to stuff your face with food, any food, just to get rid of it. My body aches and pains have disappeared, I sleep better, and my constipation is a thing of the past. I feel much more energetic and even have a spring in my step going up stairs. My muscles feel incredibly supple and I can bend over and get up with ease. I cannot say enough good about this way of life and how much better it makes me feel. Although, I did not need to lose weight, inches came off my waist line and my thighs. My clothes are looser. I would urge anyone to give it a try for 2 weeks. I am not eating "real" food vs. processed junk. So much of what we eat in America contains terrible ingredients that are not even nutritious and can cause great harm. Look at labels if you don't believe me. This book will change your life!
ReplyDeleteAwesome to hear! Thank you for sharing!
DeleteWe went no-wheat, low carb and high fat 6 months ago. So far I've lost 17 pounds and it's been so easy...almost never hungry, no cravings. Such delicious food...the best we've ever eaten...meat, lots of veggies, avocados, olives, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, nutS, seeds, coconut milk, a little fruit...so much to choose from. I don't even mind cooking now...probably because I have so much more energy!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear Deanna!
DeleteI've just started this journey myself, I was so thrilled at how little I had cravings for. I was so excited to eat fat!!! I'd not touched real butter in years and its all so satisfying! Then I got in a pinch here and there with school and work and grains started back in so now I'm trying to get back to strictly Primal way of eating. I agree Pizza is my toughy!! This was very encouraging. Trying to find ways to fix my husband lunch that he can eat on the go instead of his sandwiches!
ReplyDeleteYes, the cravings being gone are great. For me, the night time cravings were always the worst and without wheat they've pretty much disappeared. I've fallen off the wagon due to time and stress myself and need to refocus, especially during those times of stress. Good luck with everything!
DeleteI'm having the same problem with portable lunches Stephani. Maybe someone will have suggestions for us!
DeleteI found out about paleo/primal after I started the HCG diet. I was scared about stabilization afterwards and ran across a girl who ate this way and stabilized perfectly. I adapted her eating style and have stabilized really well as well!
DeleteBut, need to figure out the lunch for hubby thing....especially after what I read below about AFib...!!
Your husbands have it made! Let them know how lucky they are that they have wives that care about what they're putting in their bodies and make their lunches for them :).
DeleteHi Stephani,
DeleteIt seems that everyone is missing pizza. I made a wonderful pizza this week using a flax wrap(recipe in the Wheat Belly book)as my pizza crust. First I made and cooked the wrap according to directions. Then I spread it with full strength organic tomato paste and liberally sprinkled on pizza seasoning. Then I laddened my pizza with cooked uncured sausage, olives,sliced onion, bell pepper and grated mozarella cheese. Then I heated it in the microwave until piping hot.
What a great post! I have been off wheat, other grains, starchy vegetables, and most fruit for about 38 days. At the 35th day, I finally weighed and was 17 lbs. down. My relief from hunger was almost intantaneous ... the evening of the first day, with it only returning on the occasions I've accidentally ingested something with wheat in it in restaurants.
ReplyDeleteThe most miraculous thing for me has been the reduction in punishing, all over body pain that kept me sitting for most of the last year. Sleeping well, walking waaaaaaay more than I was 5 weeks ago, relief from atrial fibrillation, energy, and did I say no hunger? NO hunger.
All of my life I've been convinced I suffered from a serious eating disorder. Programs, counseling, medication ... I've tried it all. I couldn't make it fit with the fact that I've been really, really happy for most of the last 25 years. I had some "issues," early on, but got over those. So why the food still?
I am now convinced I don't have an eating disorder at all. I am just highly sensitive to wheat (and other grains). When I leave them out, I'm perfectly normal.
Hallelujah! :-)
Wow, great to heart about how you've overcome many obstacles to get where you are at. I'm very happy to hear you're in a much better place now. Congrats!
DeleteHey here is fantastic site on Afib natural remedies that I came across Friday for my hubby who got it about 2 years ago and just had cardioversion done last Wed with one shock resetting a perfect sinus rhythm for him. http://www.a-fib.com/Treatments.htm
DeleteSo your saying that by eliminating grains from your diet you get relief from it as well????
My husband and I started a low carb/high fat/wheat-free diet about two months ago to lose weight. Once I stopped eating wheat, I saw a dramatic improvement in my health. I plan on staying off wheat. For me it's no longer about losing weight, it's about how I feel. I had fibromyalgia for 22 years. I also had arthritis, acid reflux, IBS, chronic headaches, brain fog, fatigue, etc. My stomach problems are now completely gone. I have a lot more energy and can think more clearly. My arthritis is better. My headaches are gone. My fibromyalgia is 95% better. Over the last 22 years I have tried a lot of different things to relieve my fibromyalgia pain (prescriptions, homeopathy, sugar-fee diet, health clinic, etc.), but nothing as helped as much as eating wheat-free. Also, I'm not hungry all of the time and I have lost 33 lbs. so far.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear about your success Elisa! I especially love this part: For me it's no longer about losing weight, it's about how I feel.
DeleteI couldn't agree more. The weight loss is a great perk, but you can't beat that feeling.
I've been gluten free for about a week. I've been sporting a rash off and on for a long time and I just got tired of getting a new lotion or potion that didn't seem to work from the doc. We went on a family vacation the first week of the month and there was lots of eating out. After almost every meal I felt bloated and had abdominal cramping. After a bit of research, rash + tummy problems = a potential gluten intolerance. So... Gluten free for a week and I don't have that stuffed feeling anymore and my rash is beginning to fade. I'm an avid cook and have generally produced healthy food in my kitchen. So far, my recipes have been fairly easy to translate to gluten free, and I'm looking forward to more experimenting. But I gotta tell you, watching my teens eat MY GIRL SCOUT cookies really hurt my feelings ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you caught that. The past 2 days I've just hit the part in Dr. Davis' book "Wheat Belly" that talks about the tie-ins wheat has to all sorts of different diseases and mental disorders (just over 1/2 way through). The biggest eye-opener was the health problems and early deaths of people that don't show the typical celiac symptoms. Keep strong despite those temptations :)
DeleteIs Oat Bran Wheat Free?
ReplyDeleteFrom my understanding oats and rice should be eliminated from the diet due to their affect on blood sugar as well. I quick flipped through to look at the food lists so I'll be reading more about that in the weeks to come, but I do believe he said oats, rice, beans, and potatoes (no instant potatoes) are OK if the serving sizes are small (max 1/4 cup).
DeleteThe thing to consider with beans and rice is to combine them as they become a complete protein then. Does Dr address this or not and if so does he agree? I haven't read the book yet :)
DeleteStephani -
DeleteI'm sure he'll address it in the book, but I haven't hit that point yet. Yes, I definitely agree that combining them makes for a complete protein and is important if you aren't eating lean meats.
I have a feeling it will still be recommended in small amounts due to the blood sugar affects. My guess is he'll recommend nuts and eggs (I guess eggs may come to be an issue too...). Oy, lots to think about.
my current delima with eggs is that they feed so many of them a food that has soy in it!!! Chickens are meant to eat grains, but now we have them infiltered with soy which is not good!
DeleteI agree, the issue will still be the grain factor and glycemic index factor
I am quite allergic to wheat so I have been gluten free since January this year (what a relief to find out what was causing me so much pain). I had done the South Beach last September, dropped 25 pounds in 3 months and then was moving on to phase 2 which allows you whole grains in moderation- my body became violently ill every time I ate wheat- so its gone from my life (minus the occasional cross contamination attack). I am going to buy this book today...but question for you guys who are craving pizza from time to time...does the book suggest we can make gluten free (gf) pizza?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you figured out your wheat allergy! Congrats on the success and good luck the rest of the way.
DeleteI heard from somebody that there is a way to make wheat free pizza, but I'm not sure if it's in the book as of yet (not quite to the meals part at the end). From what I've heard I believe the crust is made of almond flour and it's not hard enough to actually pick up and eat. You have to eat it with a fork off the plate, but it sounds like a tasty way to still eat a health pizza.
Hey here is a recipe for pizza made with coconut flour. I made it once and it wasn't too bad....I think you can play with it to make better.
DeleteGarlic Chicken Pizza
Crust:
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 large organic eggs
2 Tbsp. ground flax seeds (flax meal)
2 Tbsp. coconut flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
Preheat oven to 350. Mix ingredients together and make a pizza shape on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top with the sauce and toppings (see below).
Sauce:
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. chopped green onion
1/2 tsp. dried basil
Heat in a small saucepan on low heat until the butter is melted. Ad the garlic, onion and basil and mix until blended. Pour into a chilled dish to cool, and refrigerate until set. When set, spread over the crust and add toppings.
Toppings:
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast cooked and cut into bite size pieces.
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Arrange chicken on top, then dot with ricotta cheese. Top with tomato slices, cilantro and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until center is cooked through.
Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThe Wheat Belly Blog has a pizza crust recipe on it.
Deletehttp://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/01/pizza-crust-you-can-hold-in-your-hands/
Glad you're discovering the wonderful benefits of getting rid of wheat. I find it a fun journey, trying different takes on old food favourites. So I've tried all the variations on the pizza theme and I have to say this one is my favorite. It has no blood sugar raising ingredients - once it cools slightly you can actually pick it up in your hand and it's fantastic eaten cold the next day. Even my still wheat eating partner loves this one. Have fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://glutenfreeeasily.com/flourless-gluten-free-pizza/
Thank you for sharing!
DeleteHello All..
ReplyDeleteDiscovered Wheat Belly last Tuesday (Apr 17) and have been following a wheat free diet since then.. it is indeed liberating - gone are the hunger pangs; knee pain and tiredness .. and here i was under the impression i was eating good stuff..i guess too much of a good thing is not!
Anyway day 8 for me and am down 6 lbs.. something that typically in the past would have taken me 6 or more weeks to do; only 30lbs more to go...
Everyone's story is so encouraging -- keep up the good work all -- its hard to break bad habits and wheat products for me was just that.
Question is has anyone plateaued? I've been on too many diets and i know that will come - what then?
Great to hear!
DeleteI have been wheat free since Jan 3 of this year and am definitely feeling so much better for it. But - no amazing weight loss. I need to lose about 80 pounds in total so it's not like I don't have the weight to lose. I have only lost 9 pounds since 1/3/12. I recently had my thyroid level checked thinking it might be an issue but it was fine.
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts, suggestions, advice?
Joanna -
DeleteI'm sorry that things haven't been quicker for you. You may want to connect with a dietican to take a look at things. At the end of the day calories in vs calories out plays a big role in weight loss as well (wheat or no wheat). Try tracking calories and see what you're taking in, figure out how many calories you need for your desired weight, and make sure you're actively exercising 4+ times per week too.
There could be several different possibilities. I'm slow with the weight loss and am thinking I need to cut more things like dairy, oats and soy. Also I won't worry so much about calories, you should count carbs and see how you are doing with that. Dr. Davis recommends a low carb diet.
Delete