For so many of you, that is your first strategy for weight loss. Stop eating bread. And then you give up wheat and/or gluten entirely. Is it really bread’s fault? Is wheat truly the problem? I just have a hard time believing that globally, we are all so sensitive to wheat, that cutting bread out would really get everyone’s weight under control. That being said, it often works! It is a tricky one…
Why do bread and wheat/gluten get such a bad rap?
- Once we start we cannot stop. Many of us cannot just have one slice of bread. Giving ourselves the structure and rule of “no wheat” is very effective. Out of sight…out of mind.
- Bread is not just bread. Often when we say no bread or no wheat, we give up cookies, muffins, pastries, chips, crackers, cereals…..so is it breads fault? Or can we just not control the portions? Or is all the added sugar and junk that is in those foods that is the problem?
- The processed stuff is the devil. Many of us can tolerate whole wheat just fine, but when we eat the processed white flour we feel bloated, have headaches and get inflamed. Again…is it wheat’s fault? What if we just ate whole, high quality grains? Would that be ok?
- Not allergic, but definitely intolerant – Many of you eat wheat and gluten and just do not feel well. No matter how high the quality and little the processing. Your body does not like the stuff.
- Is it something totally different? Wheat is often the first to go, but maybe it is something totally different. There is a lot of talking growing about FODMAPs and other players that may be causing digestion and inflammatory issues.
I highly encourage you to take the time to understand why you are giving up wheat and/or gluten…or any food group for that matter. What are you trying to achieve? Weight loss? Digestive issues? Inflammation? Improve athleticism? Be clear on what you are trying to work on and take steps to find a solution. Many people cut out wheat, gluten, dairy, soy and all sorts of things just for kicks. Please, be smart and do what is right for you.
And know that the “gluten free” trend is making many folks extremely wealthy…not necessarily skinny. Gluten free foods are the fastest rising trend in the food industry at the moment. Just because is it gluten free does not mean it is healthy for you!
The New Yorker just published a great article on the topic – check it out here.
READ THE INGREDIENTS! FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT!