bread

[sooner_ed]

Everyone says to limit your bread intake. Why? Just because of the carbs? I use Natures Own Healthline sugar-free 100% whole grain wheat bread. Anyone heard of it? 40 calories and about 9 grams of carbs per slice, no sugar. I don't see why I can't have 4 or 6 slices a day but I keep hearing everyone talking about too much bread. My biggest problem is, on occassion, I will make homemade wheat biscuits and sit there and eat the whole dadgum batch (about 8-10 biscuits). But darn they're good. I know I can't do that very often though. But seriously, if you're eating a good healthy bread, how much is too much? All I know is I'm having a bread attack! So I went out and bought some 100% wheat english muffins. Will someone comment on the bread issue please...thanks.

[Lady C]

People usually poo-poo all that bread because there are better ways to get those much needed carbs for energy without the potential fat storage. And that much bread will interfer with fat loss. That is about 150-200 calories on just bread. I can eat a ton of veggies without the same concerns.

[Lift2Live]

Well, a carb is a carb and if you don't burn it, you'll store it. If the bread fits into your diet and activity level then I wouldn't worry about it. Usually you just want to eat a high quality grain/wheat bread which it sounds like you've found. I love my Ezekial 4:9 Cinnamon & Raisin bread, it's whole sprouted grains and no flours. I eat about 3 slices a day no worries.

[sooner_ed]

How easily and quickly does bread digest? I've heard it digests rather quickly. Wouldn't that make it a good source of energy for a workout? Then you would just burn it off. I've heard that if you're really wanting something to eat really bad, that your body is telling you that you may be missing the nutrients that it will provide. Do you think this is true? Perhaps when I'm wanting bread so much, my body is just missing those nutrients.

[Lift2Live]

Well it's possible on the nutrient thing although I have a different idea. Until I started eating foods low on the Glycemic Index, my cravings were a bit out of whack. It all has to do with blood sugar and insulin. If you eat foods that digest too fast ie. sugars and more "simple" carbs, you are more likely to get insulin spikes which will in turn cause blood sugar to dip and make you want more of the same faster acting foods to raise blood sugar. It's a viscious cycle. Eating lower on the GI will cause less insulin response and keep your blood sugar normal, that's why whole grain breads are suggested over breads made with plain ole white flour etc,... They digest slower and give a more constant flow of energy for lifting/working out. Sugars are great for short bursts of energy but, they'll leave you in that same blood sugar cycle. Every since I went on a diet percentage close to a hypoglycemic diet, i've not had one problem with blood sugar or energy. Most dieticians suggest a 50%C/30%P/20%F diet for this and making sure that the carbs are very low glycemic. It's something to look into anyhow. Here is a link to the Glycemic Index; it's been invaluable in finding what to eat really; http://www.glycemicindex.com/

[Firehawk]

I eat probably 6-8 slices a day, my bread is Meijers whole wheat bread at 11g carbs and 60 calories a slice. Has worked nice for me.

[CF-OC_gal]

Bread = bloat and increased abdominal fat storage for me, especially whole wheat bread. I do much better without yeasted grain products.Sprouted grain breads and sourdough are not so bad but they are darn expensive! Rye crisp crackers, pampadums, muffins and sometimes pita bread are my choices.

That doesn't mean I don't like to eat regular bread, I do, but it's one thing I have to exercise control over. Whole grain pasta, pancakes, cooked grains and beans also fill the gap when there is one.

I readily gave away a gift breadmaker because of what fresh bread does to me.

[CliffStamp]

Bread is one of the most allergic food stubances, next to lactose intolerance, gluten is high on the list of foods causing bowel disorders. Most people do better with slow rise sourdough breads made from whole grains. White bread digests very rapidly just like simple sugar, even whole wheat breads digest several times faster than proteins and much longer than fats.

-Cliff