Flax seed, when is it allowed???

[sunflowergrl]

I was at the store today and bought some Flax seed, but now I am not sure if its allowed during Induction. I thought I might grind it into powder to add to my mock danish or some other foods. It has tons of fiber, but I am not sure when this food is allowed. Any ideas???

[2big4mysize]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

read rule 12 of your induction if it applied to you then it ids legal for induction if not then you got to wait till rule 12 apples or OWL rung 3

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

Thanks!! I don't have my book yet (still waiting for it in the mail!!), I even looked at the store today because I was sick of waiting and couldn't find one!!! I was wondering if I could get a bit more fiber that way, but thanks for the advice!! I am SURE my book will be here soon!!

[loser4life]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

he recommneds using it if you need extra fiber, I think 1-2tbs a day? I eat it maybe once a week or twice... I liket o mix it with an egg, add soem garlic powder, a dash of salt, a tbs of olive oil and microwave in a small glass bowl for like 1:45. Then I flip to get it out of the bowl, let it cool then I slice it in half and se it for a sandwich~ yum!, like I said though, not all the time. It is a very high calorie sandwich!

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

For after Induction, flax seed is really nice mixed in with tahini or macadamia nut butter.

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

Thanks for the tips!!

[penniedo]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

I made Flax cookies and would eat them during induction for the extra fiber. You just have to be very careful to eat only one and not the whole batch!

[tabekat]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

If I felt constipated at all I would put a teaspoon of flax in my mock danish. I don't think it is necessary to grind it at all. I haven't used flax since induction though, I never get constipated anymore. I think that was just a temporary problem like induction flu.

[RationalBeing]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

Eat as much as you need on induction really. Its pure fiber (0 carbs). The issue is what you put around it ot make it taste better (like splenda) which is not allowed in unlimited amounts.

[not2late]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

Whole flaxseed will "pass right through" because our bodies can't digest the seed coat. That's great if you want a laxative/fiber effect. However, there are many claims about the nutritional benefit of flax. Those nutrients are contained within the seed. So if you want the nutritional and fiber/laxative benefit of flax, you'll need to grind or crush the whole flax seed.

As for the carb count....this is kind of controversial. The most 'popular' brand is Bob's RedMill ground flax meal. According to the package, Bob's has 4 total carbs and 4 fiber carbs, for a net carb of 0. Well, here's the problem, if you plug the numbers into a hidden carb counter, you get "hidden" carbs. This is due to the lax US laws regarding carbohydrate content: manufacturers can round up or round down numbers.

[RationalBeing]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

True, there are SOME carbs in flax. However, from what I recall, there are 3g net carbs per CUP of flax. Of course if you eat a cup of flax you're going to get like 45g of fiber, so I dont think anyone will actually eat a cup. Its almost safe to say there are 0 carbs in any 2 or 4 tablespoon size portion you will eat.

Whole flaxseed will "pass right through" because our bodies can't digest the seed coat. That's great if you want a laxative/fiber effect. However, there are many claims about the nutritional benefit of flax. Those nutrients are contained within the seed. So if you want the nutritional and fiber/laxative benefit of flax, you'll need to grind or crush the whole flax seed.

As for the carb count....this is kind of controversial. The most 'popular' brand is Bob's RedMill ground flax meal. According to the package, Bob's has 4 total carbs and 4 fiber carbs, for a net carb of 0. Well, here's the problem, if you plug the numbers into a hidden carb counter, you get "hidden" carbs. This is due to the lax US laws regarding carbohydrate content: manufacturers can round up or round down numbers.

[not2late]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

True, there are SOME carbs in flax. However, from what I recall, there are 3g net carbs per CUP of flax. Of course if you eat a cup of flax you're going to get like 45g of fiber, so I dont think anyone will actually eat a cup. Its almost safe to say there are 0 carbs in any 2 or 4 tablespoon size portion you will eat.

Per the USDA Nutrient Database, 1 tablespoon ground flaxmeal/seed has 2.02 total carbs, 1.9 grams fiber for a net carb count of 0.12 (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/).


While it's true 1 tablespoon of flax has less than 1 net carb, that less than 1 net carb still counts towards the daily carb count. 1 large egg (0.6 net carbs), 1 tablespoon heavy cream (0.4-0.8 net carbs), 1 cup iceberg lettuce (0.8 net carbs) have less than 1 net carb, but those carbs are still counted towards the daily carb count.

One of the problems people have when they move onto OWL is that they aren't used to counting their carbs and they freak out and run back to Induction when they find that eating 1 net carb above their CCLL will halt weight loss. By getting used to measuring and counting during Induction, OWL, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance are easier to do.

[RationalBeing]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

If you want to count a quarter of a carb in a 2TB serving, go ahead. I choose not to. 1/4 of 1g of carbohydrate will not stall ANYONE. PERIOD.

Per the USDA Nutrient Database, 1 tablespoon ground flaxmeal/seed has 2.02 total carbs, 1.9 grams fiber for a net carb count of 0.12 (http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/).


While it's true 1 tablespoon of flax has less than 1 net carb, that less than 1 net carb still counts towards the daily carb count. 1 large egg (0.6 net carbs), 1 tablespoon heavy cream (0.4-0.8 net carbs), 1 cup iceberg lettuce (0.8 net carbs) have less than 1 net carb, but those carbs are still counted towards the daily carb count.

One of the problems people have when they move onto OWL is that they aren't used to counting their carbs and they freak out and run back to Induction when they find that eating 1 net carb above their CCLL will halt weight loss. By getting used to measuring and counting during Induction, OWL, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance are easier to do.

[sunflowergrl]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

That is what I have, Bobs Redmill. It says 4 net carbs per serving (3 tablespoons). I was thinking it would be a good way to get extra fiber, like in mock danish once a week. Thanks everyone!

[not2late]

Re: Flax seed, when is it allowed???

If you want to count a quarter of a carb in a 2TB serving, go ahead. I choose not to. 1/4 of 1g of carbohydrate will not stall ANYONE. PERIOD.

That is completely up to you RationalBeing, I can only relate to you and others my experience in dealing with OWLers. By the way, there is no need to be nasty in your responses.

Sunflowergirl: just be aware the carb counts on the packages and even on the nutrient databases are only accurate for the amount listed. So, be aware if you are the type of person who measures tablespoons by dipping a spoon into a jar and pulling out what you think is a "tablespoon" the carb count may or may not be what's listed on the package.

Also be aware that the three fiber supplements recommended by Dr. Atkins: flax, psyllium and wheat bran are "bulk-forming" laxatives. That is, they need water in order to work because they absorb water like a sponge and that "bulk" is what stimulates your intestines to "go". If you aren't drinking an adequate amount of water (the minimum 64 ounces daily), these fibers can actually cause constipation. Moreover, it takes maybe a day or two for these fibers to work.