Thoughts on grains causing inflammation??

[Lenny]

Do you guys believe that low-moderate carbohydrate eating (No talking about keto either) with minimal or no consumption of grains will reduce inflammation in the body (such as reducing joint pain, chronic pain, arthritis, chronic fatigue, hypertension, etc...)?? The whole idea that gluten, etc...promote inflammatory acidic imbalances and can cause disruption in blood sugar levels. The reason is that my body feels better this time around, but my mind is hungry if that makes any sense. Maybe it is a stupid concept and I am looking to deep into it.

Should we replace most of all grains with fruits and veggies, as I know DAD and JT would prolly agree with that?

I have been thinking that eating breads and cereals, and so forth are just a pure psychological thing (YES, sometimes I feel like I could eat 5lbs of pasta, but 90% it is in my head). Do not get me wrong I crave them and will indulge in the offseason in pasta's, grains, cereals, but I think this time around I will be smarter about. I do think rice and oatmeal have thier place and think that should be a staple in one's eating with veggies/fruits and even to a certain extent in precontest eating.

Maybe I am just craving some crap food right now and I am trying to justify my head that carbs are BAD! Still, can't wait to indulge in some feel tasty foods after all of this, but will get back on a offseason eating plan come later this summer based around minimal grains.

 

[MaTrlx]

I do crave breads, oatmeal and sugary stuff too after using only fruits and vegetables as my main carb sources on phil's diet. I usually use diet soda and sugar-free jello or fat free freek yogurt or splenda on fruits to curb these cravings.

i do think of scheduling in a "cheat" meal of clean carbs such as oats (can make oatmeal pancakes) or whole wheat bread(make lean beef burgers or smoked salmon burger) once in a while to relief these cravings.

By using fruits and vegetables as my main carb source, i notice blood sugar levels are more stable throughout the day and they also dont drop so rapidly when im hungry, as to compared when i was eating grains or starches. It was pretty hard switching from starches/grains the first month energy wise but ever since my body got used to it, energy levels got better. No change in strength and pump in the gym with either carb source. Though i noticed better fullness throughout the day and improved leanness.

I was seriously skeptical at first when switching carb sources but i glad i made the choice. You might be interested in this article regarding "cavemen" diets, in which fruits and vegetables are utilized as main carb sources too.

http://www.arthurshall.com/x_2009_caveman_diet.shtml

 

[Lenny]

I do crave breads, oatmeal and sugary stuff too after using only fruits and vegetables as my main carb sources on phil's diet. I usually use diet soda and sugar-free jello or fat free freek yogurt or splenda on fruits to curb these cravings.

i do think of scheduling in a "cheat" meal of clean carbs such as oats (can make oatmeal pancakes) or whole wheat bread(make lean beef burgers or smoked salmon burger) once in a while to relief these cravings.

By using fruits and vegetables as my main carb source, i notice blood sugar levels are more stable throughout the day and they also dont drop so rapidly when im hungry, as to compared when i was eating grains or starches. It was pretty hard switching from starches/grains the first month energy wise but ever since my body got used to it, energy levels got better. No change in strength and pump in the gym with either carb source. Though i noticed better fullness throughout the day and improved leanness.

I was seriously skeptical at first when switching carb sources but i glad i made the choice. You might be interested in this article regarding "cavemen" diets, in which fruits and vegetables are utilized as main carb sources too.

http://www.arthurshall.com/x_2009_caveman_diet.shtml

I agree it is difficult thing to kick that grain cravings, that is why I think having them as a speciality item (in cheat meals) is just fine. I always have prefer veggies over fruits. But, this time around after this precontest eating plan...I am going to implement fruits in the first half of the day and switch over to veggies in the later half of the day. I think I may have to keep oats and some rice meals in there throughout the day to keep the whole growing process in full throttle. Just gonna try to stay away from grains! More mental than anything...and everything that has flour seems to taste the best So, I will treat myself accordingly

That is a good link to...thanks.

 

[MaTrlx]

Why not try using both vegetables and fruits in all meals throughout the day? It will take a shitload of vegetables to reach your targeted carb macro for the meal unless you plan to eat just 10g-20g carbs per meal. I also do like the variety of having both vegetables and fruits in the meal, makes it more enjoyable as i got a sweet tooth to satisfy.

I recommend you give it a try for at least a month strictly on fruits and vegetables as carb sources rather than having grains/starches in the mix to truly see how u respond to it. Its all about experimenting.

 

[Lenny]

Why not try using both vegetables and fruits in all meals throughout the day? It will take a shitload of vegetables to reach your targeted carb macro for the meal unless you plan to eat just 10g-20g carbs per meal. I also do like the variety of having both vegetables and fruits in the meal, makes it more enjoyable as i got a sweet tooth to satisfy.

I recommend you give it a try for at least a month strictly on fruits and vegetables as carb sources rather than having grains/starches in the mix to truly see how u respond to it. Its all about experimenting.

I am gonna give this run for it. I have no problem not eating grains since I virtually have not had any for the last 16 weeks. Oats and rice will be a big hurtle for me because I have always thought they were staples to offseason eating. I always, just ate breads in the offseason which I am gonna rid me of that this time around. But, I am going to go with the fruit being a major source of CHO's. I will see how the body responds...adjust from that point, but I will give it some time. Thanks for the responses. Always good to see how we all do things and trial and error new things!

 

[angel]

I feel better when I go gluten free. I don't have a bad allergy and I am not powerlifting
since I am 53. If I was bodybuilding or powerlifting to compete I would go gluten free.
Wheat is genetically altered dirty food.

Just quit eating wheat you may be gluten intolerant. Most folks feel better off wheat.
ANY wheat (one cracker) will cause the same reaction. It is allergic, inflamation and histamine related, I believe. You have to do research to go gluten free. It is in everything. You will think you are and you aren't.

Wheat feeds Candida to a great extent and so you will experience horrible cravings
for donuts and shit like that with white flour and sugar (Candida food)
when your body is actually gluten free. It will last awhile, weeks.

If that is what is causing your problem you will begin to feel
much better shortly (within two weeks). Your head will feel clearer.
If you do the Gluten free for a month and don't see improvement
then that is most likely not it.

If you go to a doctor he will give you drugs for the symptoms
and then drugs for the symptoms of the anti-symptomatic drugs
that they give you. Pretty soon you will be on stuff that will affect
your gains. When you mix these weird drugs they give you these days;
nobody knows what they do. I believe these drugs for lipids,
statens, antibiotics and cortical steroids all mixed together
are extremely dangerous and are causing a high mortality
among the civilian populations.

They always seem to find out something to operate on
if you have good insurence.

Try wheat free before drugs.

ANGEL

 

[MaTrlx]

I am still contemplating whether to cheat once or twice every week with clean carbs such as oats, breads or yoghurt as a treat in the offseason. Like maybe make my own sub or indulge in some sugar free ice-cream or stuff like that. Eating fruits and vegetables everyday can get pretty boring you know

What i just hate about veering off the diet for one meal is the water retention and bloat that stays for a few days. Can really affect me mentally with that watery look that is a bitch to get rid off.

I am gonna give this run for it. I have no problem not eating grains since I virtually have not had any for the last 16 weeks. Oats and rice will be a big hurtle for me because I have always thought they were staples to offseason eating. I always, just ate breads in the offseason which I am gonna rid me of that this time around. But, I am going to go with the fruit being a major source of CHO's. I will see how the body responds...adjust from that point, but I will give it some time. Thanks for the responses. Always good to see how we all do things and trial and error new things!

 

[SD1959]

This may be a bit off target, but has relevance to your question. When I go on my once a year vacation, it's to an all-inclusive. It's depressing enough to have to come home but it would SUCK to come back carrying unwanted pounds (I'm 49 yrs old). My plan has been pretty foolproof for 5 years running. I eat a reasonable but good amount of starches at breakfast along with egg whites, fruit, nuts etc...The rest of the day is unlimited grilled chicken, fish, shellfish and a fair amount of lean beef. I have unlimited veggies (no heavy sauces) and fruit. Some nuts. I allow myself only a very small serving of a starch. I don't drink. Bet I double or triple my usual calorie intake. Of course, I have no stress, time for naps and more time for excersize. Most every day I have some gas, bloating and discomfort by evening, and I eat REALLY CLEAN!!! My long winded point is when I eat like this (on vaca) I generally have less stomach issues and that's with Lord knows how much protein. The cost, prep time (and yes, giving up starches) discourage me from doing it year round (of course calories back in check!!). You make some great points. Might have to really re-evaluate my food choices.
Sd