Xanthan gum & Induction?

[Alanna on Atkins]

Hi there,

I've peeked around at this, and so far I couldn't find anything on my particular questions with the topic.

I saw a few recipes on Linda's site, marked induction friendly, that had Xanthan gum listed to thicken the sauces (soups, etc). Now, before I buy it and start using it - is it allowed?? I saw that it is a polysaccharide. Which, is sugar.

Any thoughts, or comments?

Much appreciated!

[Sarina D]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

GREAT question, thank you for asking it! I have some that I purchased a while ago and came across it just the other day and wondered the same thing!

Sarina
---------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 170.8 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[Georgiana]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

is it allowed??

Yes.

I saw that it is a polysaccharide. Which, is sugar.

A polysaccharide is not a sugar per se. It's either starch or dietary fiber.

Xanthan gum is fiber.

[Alanna on Atkins]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

GREAT question, thank you for asking it! I have some that I purchased a while ago and came across it just the other day and wondered the same thing!

I was really curious! I didn't want to go out and buy it, use it, and then find out it was a bad idea!

Also, I must say - congratulations on all your achievements with your weight! That is incredible! Don't mind me if I start pestering you for tips now.

[Alanna on Atkins]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

Yes.

A polysaccharide is not a sugar per se. It's either starch or dietary fiber.

Xanthan gum is fiber.

I saw polysaccharide, and me (being in biology courses at the college) responded: eeeeeeek!

It's good to know now, though! Thank you, Georgiana!!

[pagliaccia]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

Similar question - does anyone know where to find it? I've looked at a few supermarkets in town, and haven't seen any. Then again, I don't even know what aisle to check.

[liv]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

Health food stores - gluten intolerance section - those are good places to look for it.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

If you grocery store has a Bob's Red Mill section, they might have it in there.

If you have a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe's, they should have it.

Also ... xanthan is tricky to use!

How to Use Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum in Gluten-Free Recipes

And ... it's quite possible to do Atkins without it.

[liv]

Re: Xanthan gum & Induction?

I use guar gum. I actually like it quite a bit. It is only tricky if you expect it to behave like flour or corn starch which it does not. But it is a pretty good thickener in my opinion. I use it mostly to thicken gravy - chicken gravy. Guar gum is great as it thicken cold things and require not heating just whisking - one the of tricks is to add just a bit of time.