flax question

[Laurenfra]

I have discovered flax. I love the stuff. I was trying to limit this to a day or 2 a week. I put it into fitday today and the way I make it, it comes up as
fat- 73%
Prot-24%
carb-3%

Doesn't this make it a perfect Atkins food? Eating it evryday would make my life a lot more simple.

[JoanOH]

You CAN eat it every day, you just have to use some portion control and common sense. Dr. Atkins tells us that we can add flax to our daily menu IF we need it for constipation. You start with a 1 tbsp. serving, and add to that according to your needs.

When I started Atkins, the one thing my physician (who is VERY pro Atkins and lost weight on it herself) told me was that it was critical to add fiber to my diet while doing Atkins. She said the two consistent problems she sees with her Atkins patients is constipation and rectal polyps. She said I need to add in enough extra fiber to be (lordy, how do I put this delicately?!?) having a BM twice a day.

So, combine the two pieces of advice -- I started out using psyllium husks (which, when mixed with water, tastes like feet) and quickly switched to flax. I have since switched over to unprocessed wheat bran because I prefer the taste. I started at 1 tbsp a day and currently eat 1/4 cup per day... in the form of "hot cereal", crackers, added to the Mock Danish recipe, or just sprinkled on my salad.

So yes, you can eat it, but NOT as a bread or treat substitute. If you need it for "bathroom purposes" or because you want to up the amount of fiber in your diet, it's all good!

Also on a personal note, I find I must drink a LOT of water before, during and after consuming flax or it seems to turn into cement in my stomach and compound the constipation problems! I don't find that with the wheat bran.

Joan J

[Laurenfra]

Thanks Joan. I guess I will eat it each AM. It sure will help in that delicate area. Again Congrats on the promotion

[stargaze]

heeeeeeeeelp!!!

alright well i dont really like talking about this but..... here goes.... i went to the store the other day and i got some flaxseed meal... i got it because i haven't used the restroom(bm, i know it's gross sorry) for a week now... i have been on this diet for 4 months now and i wa at a stall so i decided to go back on induction.... i have ben taking flaxseed for 2 days.... the first day i added 1/2 tbs to my eggs in the morning and then 1/2 tbs in my dressing at lunch.... and then the second day(which is today) i added 1 tbs to my eggs and then 1/2 tbs in my dressing...... and i still haven't had a bm..... do you think i should take more..... or do you think that it just takes a while for it to get in my system??? just wondering... and to help you out a little more... yeah i do drink plenty of water... 70 plus a day.... so i don't know what going on..... do you think i should just stop eating cheese for a while?? well i hope you can help... thanks[/code]

[stargaze]

what would happen if i ate too much Flaxseed meal??? it's not like i love it it's just i have to have it for my constipation... and do i have to count the carbs?? because on it says... 4 carbs and then 4 fibers... what should be the max measurment??/ just wondering thanks