Afraid of the grains rung

[Adena]

Okay, so it's time to move to grains. But I'm afraid! Will I be able to control myself? Will I balloon back up?? Today I smelled popcorn in the hall at work (which I've always liked, but I wouldn't call it a trigger food or anything), and I imagined whether or not I could sit down and eat just a cup or two of it. I'm not so sure. Same goes for whole wheat toast, etc...

Of course, I could simply further delay or skip it, but I feel like I NEED to tackle it. I have to deal with it and be in control.

I'd appreciate hearing from folks who have been through this rung. What'd you learn, what are the best things to start with, and any other advice.

Thanks much!

[sadie147]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

I was terrified of the grains rung too..and it was a breeze! I didn't gain, didn't have any issues with it, and now i have them on a regular basis in Maintenance. Popcorn is a really nice treat..though i do have to watch my portions, it's easy to eat alot of! I don't buy it at home, i only have it occaisionallywhen i'm out.

The grain I have the most would be steel cut oats for breakfast (i have them 3/4 times a week), though I do also like to order pumpernickel toast with my breakfsat once or twice a month when we go out. It's a nice treat for me in moderation... Usually at home i'll stick to low carb breads and wraps though.

[Adena]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

Thanks, Sadie. That's really helpful. How are "steel cut oats" different from regular oatmeal?

[Adena]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

Do you guys typically eat breads that advertise themselves as "low carb" or just look for high fiber, low sugar content? My friend mentioned to me that she found some high fiber, relatively low carb bagels. I think it was maybe 10-12 G of carbs for the whole thing -- and she said they are big. I could be very happy with half of one, I think.

Maybe I'll treat myself to a visit to Whole Foods (farmer's market) at lunch and see what I can find. And I'll pick up some of those oats, Sadie. LOL.... sounds like I need to just strap on a feedbag and I'll be all set.

[not2late]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

I did okay on the Grains Rung. I learned that wheat products aggravate my asthma and allergies, so I avoid them----this was a good thing because before Atkins, my asthma was worsening and I was requiring more medications and higher doses of medications to barely control it! Now I know that wheat isn't good for my body, so it gives me the ability to have continued improved health.

I don't have any problems with oats, corn (maize), barley and rye. Like with everything on OWL, this is a "Your Mileage May Vary" type thing. So give this food group a try. If you run into any problems, drop the food and make a note of it.

I try to stick to foods that give me the 5 net carbs per serving. So I eat rye crackers that have 5 net carbs. I DO NOT waste my money on specifically labelled "low carb" grain products. When I was trying out the wheat products, I noticed that Nature's Harvest bread had an interesting labelling thing. The lower carb bread was adulterated with soy protein, etc. and it had a net carb of 7 per slice (2 grams fiber, 9 grams total carb). However the Double Wheat bread, per slice, had 10 total carbs, 5 fiber. Both were the same price. From a fiber point of view, the Double Fiber was better because 1 slice provided 5 grams fiber as opposed to the 2 grams fiber the 'low carb' bread.

I've noticed similar things with the rye crackers I eat. So I try to get products that have 5 net carbs per serving but have the highest possible fiber grams per serving. I figure I get more nutritional bang for my buck that way.

Just eat the 5 net carbs of the grain and see what happens.

[Adena]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

Very helpful, Megs -- thanks so much. I'm looking forward to going to the grocery store!

And it's because of you that I haven't hard corn yet, since you explained in an earlier thread that it's grain.

In terms of being nervous about the foods, I guess I have to remind myself that things like "double wheat bread", rye crakers, whole wheat pasta, etc. didn't get me into trouble in the first place. I mean, I like those things, but they aren't exactly binge foods. So, hopefully eating them won't set up the triggers I fear.

[sadie147]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

As megs mentioned you will want to stick with the 5g's of net carbs so the bagels, and actuallythe oats will be out for now, until you know how you react, and find your ccll, and get to premaintainance. Those bagels sound good for maintainanece though! Thoug if they are only 10g's i guess you could have 1/2 of one.

My first grains rung foods where Ryvita high fibre crispbreads that had 5g's per piece, and also a ww cracker. I also used low carb wraps and breads, I was never able to find a bread that was low enough in carbs for me in OWL.

Now in maintainance i do eat rye and pumpernickel bread on occaision.

STeel cut oats are very different from rolled oatmeal. they have a different texture and are chewier (the carb count is no different). They would be too high carb for OWL for you at this time I would think.

Here is a link with a pic of what they looked like cooked: http://www.slashfood.com/2006/01/23/...l-cut-oatmeal/

If you don't have a problem with grains, i highly recommend steel cut oats in maintainanceif you do like oatmeal, and they are very good for you.

I usually cook a 1/4 (dry) but can only eat half, it expands and makes quite a bit (1/2 cup cooked), i mix it with fruit usually, sometimes ricotta, and i have also added flax.

Per 1/4 cup dry is has 23g's of net carbs.

[Adena]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

I was looking back at old subscribed threads and saw this one. Just wanted to report back for anyone else who might be feeling the same fear I was about grains -- or higher rungs in general.

I am eating grains and loving it! And I swear, I think I'm losing even more since I started. My favorite splurge since I started grains was part of a (real corn) tamale (twice). Mmmm. I also like to put butter on one half of a slice of high fiber (5 net carbs) bread, fold it over, and mush it a little. That is a major comfort food for me. Always makes me feel satisfied.

I've eaten very small servings of potatoes (mashed), but surprisingly, they don't really do much for me anymore. So, I don't waste the carbs. I'd much rather eat my piece of bread with butter.

[not2late]

Re: Afraid of the grains rung

Good for you!

I find that the small amount of grains is satisfying if they are used as an ingredient rather than as the backbone of the dish. For example, grains can be used to thicken stews and soups. Or you can take a whole grain cracker, grind it up, mix it with ground nuts and use it as breading, as a bread crumb topping on casseroles/gratins, as you would plain breadcrumbs in meatballs and other stuffings.

So that will increase your cooking options (and your menu) tremendously.