William Davis, MD, is a preventive cardiologist whose unique approach to diet allows him to advocate reversal, not just prevention, of heart disease.
He is the founder of the 
Amine:
In just a matter of 2 months (since 9/3 to be exact), I feel unbelievable and quickly losing the gut just by dropping wheat.
Here is the before and after in just a matter of 8 weeks.
I would remember when I start with one sandwich and eat 3 to 5 sandwiches and dont want to stop.
There is no way I would ever eat bread again. This reminds of the first time they told me that packaged mashed potatoes is fake. Same thing with bread.
The stunning part for me is I have exercised like a maniac for years and never noticed a difference in weight. By dropping wheat and exercising like usual, I have quickly noticed the difference. Yay, I’m 185 pounds again. It takes courage for a Doctor to go the unconventional route and expose this problem.
Donna:
Progress report at 3 weeks: Lost 4 pounds around my middle (and thighs), body aches have disappeared, my previously distended, uncomfortable belly has deflated, can go for 6 hours without feeling hungry, I feel so energetic and practically spring right up a flight of stairs, sleep like a baby with no hip pain waking me up, no longer feel depressed because I was slowly gaining weight despite being a runner and person who doesn’t overindulge.
This book has changed my life for the better and I hope you give it a try! I did not have that much weight to lose, but it was unhealthy weight nonetheless and made me miserable . . .
Michelle
I’m a 48 year-old woman. The pic on the left was taken in April, when I was at my heaviest – about 169 lbs. My A1C had gone from a 5.4 in December to 6.5 in April, as my weight ballooned. I found that I had intense carb cravings. If I went out to eat and started in on the bread on the table, I would literally keep eating it till the main dish came, or until I’d finished the basket of bread. Same with cookies, pasta (couldn’t just have one serving!), basically anything with wheat or sugar in it.
I realized that I was on the verge of diabetes, which runs in my family. I felt tired and sluggish all the time, despite working out three to four times a week. I had acid reflux to the point that I was taking Prevacid every day. Headaches were a regular occurrence – in fact, not to have a headache was the exception. Intestinal distress was “regular” for me “:-)
I read Gary Taubes’ book “Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It” and realized that carbs were killing me. I decided to cut out anything “white” in my diet. I added Jorge Cruz’s Belly Fat Cure idea of only eating 15g of sugar and 6 servings (about 120g) of carbs per day, but I did not like his addition/inclusion of wheat toast. I knew that if I ate one slide of bread, all bets were off.
From April through June I slowly weaned myself off most carbs, and all white flour products. I ate mainly meat proteins, eggs, cheese and nuts, and high fiber veggies like broccoli. My acid reflux disappeared almost immediately. Headaches became rare occurrences. I started losing weight. But I’d have an occasional bite or two of pasta, or a brownie. Usually I would get a headache or acid reflux, but I was losing weight (10-15lbs at that point), so I didn’t really care.
Then, for my birthday in June, I decided to “splurge” at dinner. I had a steak, sweet potato, and two (or maybe three!) dinner rolls. I also had cake for dessert. Before I even got home, I had a splitting headache. I crawled into bed feeling like I just wanted to sleep for a year. But I woke at 3am – feeling like I had tied one on the night before (I’ve been alcohol-free since August 2008). The next morning felt like a hangover. Headache, brain fog, sluggish. Awful. Terrible diarrhea for two days (I called it the diarrhea diet, but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone!).
At that point I scheduled an ALCAT food sensitivity blood test with my doctor; I knew that something in my dinner had almost killed me. Two weeks later, in July, I got the results – extreme gluten intolerance. The gluten intolerance found in my blood test only confirmed what I had already suspected (I’m also highly intolerant of high-fructose corn syrup!). At that point, I got serious about being wheat free. No more cheats. I was dead serious about losing weight. Even by July, on my 90% wheat-free diet, my A1C had dropped to 5.8. I had lost almost 20lbs, and I was feeling better than ever.
By late September, when the pic on the right was taken, I had dropped more than 25lbs. My A1C was down to 5.7, and my doctor pronounced me out of danger of diabetes.
I recently found out about “Wheat Belly” through a friend who works at a bookstore in Canada. I immediately read your blog. It made total sense to me. I would love it if we could convince the FDA that their food pyramids and plates are killing us. People can’t believe that all I did was cut wheat out of my diet, along with other high-glycemic carbs like rice, and cut back my sugar to 15g or less a day (they don’t realize that there is hidden sugar in everything – I have to thank Jorge Cruz for that one – who knew yogurt was so full of sugar? Natural (if you eat the right stuff) but still sugar. Bananas? ditto… milk? same thing).
So – NO wheat, limited carbs and VERY limited sugar, and I’m now down 33 lbs. I weigh 136 lbs. I am starting to recognize the woman in the mirror as the same slim woman who was in the Army 30 years ago! I think I can get to my “fighting weight” of about 130lbs with no effort if I just keep eating the way I am. I figure my body will stop losing weight when the fat is gone. That’s one thing I learned from Taubes’ book – our weight should be self-regulating, like that of wild animals, if we are eating the right foods and not messing up our hormones with sugar and carbs and gluten and gliadin.
That was probably way too much info. But I want people to know that they too can lose the weight, and feel like they’re young again. It came off almost effortlessly for me. I haven’t looked at calories or fat, just sugar and carbs, and I don’t touch wheat or other gluten-containing products. Even with the “gluten-free” pastas, etc. I either eat VERY small portions (which wasn’t possible for me with wheat-pasta) or skip it. Gluten-free cookies, etc. still contain as much sugar as regular cookies, and I don’t want to spike my blood sugar, so I look for those sweetened with stevia or just skip them. I find almond butter or peanut butter on a lentil cracker (low carb yummy goodness) or even on a piece of 85% dark chocolate is enough of a treat for dessert.
I feel as if I’ve gotten a degree in nutrition over the last six months. My friends tell me I look 10 years younger (and the pics attest to that), and I feel younger and better for sure! This is not a diet. This is a lifestyle change for me! Thanks for filling in the final blanks with “Wheat Belly”!
Susan
Among a few other health issues, one that was troublesome, but I thought, manageable was wicked PMS. I’m talking about relationship-threatening, everybody leave me alone, don’t even think about talking to me PMS, a full week every single month. It was easy to recognize, and it was usually the first temper tantrum each month that had my family, mostly hubby, running for cover. I would also be bloated, and tired and constipated.
When I bought your book two weeks ago, and started wheat-free, I actually didn’t even think about this part of my health. Guess what….NO PMS this month! A little edgy for a day or so, but work was hectic, and I sure wasn’t paying attention to the calendar.
At dinner tonight, I asked my husband and 14 year old if they had noticed PMS for the past week. The 14 year old is brutally honest, and would have come out with it. She said no right away. Hubby noticed the slight “edge” for two days, again attributing it to work. I am simply amazed. Having accepted this as who I was for the last 30-something years, I am astounded that this simple change has made all the difference. My family thanks you, Dr. Davis! Stay tuned for the continuing successes I hope to have.
KDM
Here’s a small list of things that have occurred since being wheat free for the last three months:
Weight reduction from 162 pounds down to 143.
Sleeping better and no more leg cramps waking me up in the middle of night.
Sinus and nasal allergy issues are gone.
I no longer need meds for heartburn and indigestion.
I don’t require eating something every 3 or 4 hours to keep from feeling like I’m going to pass out.
My skin no longer looks dry and cracked. I believe this is because less of my daily water intake is needed for digestion of food since wheat products are no longer consumed. I would also attribute this to the leg
cramps disappearing.
Update: Weight now 140 lb. after 16 more days:
Mary Beth
I’m not really sure if this should be considered a success story, maybe more of a triumph!!!!
Today was just one of those dumbass days. Tough day at work, tough day with thinking about my stepdaughter being so far away in Rhode Island in law school (thou so proud of her). Tough day with the thought of my “baby boy” going off to the ARMY (again, very proud mama) in November. A day where being an office manager for a construction company was hectic, and everyone wanted something. Just a sucky day!!! I wanted nothing more than to go off and get like this huge triple stacker greasy burger with fries etc. at lunch.
But, my day got too busy and didn’t have time to take lunch break. (Good thing I had my stash of cucumbers, raw nuts and other veggies to swear at while I was eating them to get me thru until I left the office after a 9 HOUR DAY sitting at my desk!!!) I start at 6am every morning so at 3:00, I was sooooo ready for that burger. Stop at the store to get some ibuprofen (I’m out of it), go home, veg in front of the TV with my lounge pants on and eat, probably even doze off watching a rerun of Oprah.
So, I get home and I’m irritated that, after I put my lounge pants on, they are driving me crazy because they keep falling down past my waist, so I pull the strings tighter from where they are knotted, and I stomp into the living room to watch Oprah and take a little nap. This is when I realize that the show is over, I drove right by Wendy’s on my way home, didn’t stop for ibuprofen, (I’ve been out of it since I read your book, I haven’t needed it ) my pj’s are loose on me, and I’ve kept myself busy with some things to cross off my to do list, (that is STRICTLY for weekends, beacause I have no energy to do stuff when I get home form work).
Dr. Davis, I guess I’m posting this as a success story because since I’ve read your book, I feel better!!! I didn’t need the comfort fast food after a bad day, I’ve been bringing healthy stuff with me to work, (my poop by the way has been normal, even with no benefiber). Remember, I’m the girl that was terrified of another diverticulitis flare up). My clothes are much looser, still working on my wheat belly, but I’ve noticed that when my husband hugs me, he can get his arms around my waist, and he kind of pats my butt, so I gotta love that, I guess it’s because he can reach it again.
So, I guess for me, after this day I had, It IS a success story. I’m thankful that you wrote it, I’m thankful for reading the article in Women’s World, I’m thankful I bought the book, and I’m thankful that I think you may have changed my life,. Now, if you could just do something about my baby leaving for the ARMY!!!!! (By the way, I’m going to see my daughter at the end of next month and am going to buy her a copy of this book, and bring it to her. She has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease a couple of years ago, and struggles with severe intestinal issues, joint pain, and is now on Remicade infusions because of her flare ups….Never mind… I am going to send her a copy TONIGHT, because I have the energy to get dressed, go to the book store, then go to the post office and mail it to her.
Wheat-free, down 31 pounds.
JC
Starting weight 288, Current 222 Target 190. Short, intense workouts 3 days a week (each approximately 20-30 minutes) I started with cutting back on sugar, salt and fats, and lost 35 pounds in 8 months. After stalling out and getting frustrated, I came across the concept of removing grains, sugar and sweeteners from my diet. Then did things take off! 31 additional pounds in 2 months, increased energy, ambition and stamina. I have to say the removal of grains has had the greatest impact. I have even added the occasional sugar free sweetener, salt and dairy back, with no ill effects. From a complete reversal of Irritable bowel syndrome (no meds now), to leveling of moods, completely ending the high/low 90-120 minute cycle of hunger, snacking, joint pain, complete disappearance of chronic rashes, completely off acid reflux meds (I had been diagnosed with 2 ulcers as well). The only thing I take is a multivitamin and a probiotic. I have to attribute all of this to one thing: No more grains, particularly wheat!
For the first time in my 15 year marriage, I am the one agitating my wife to go on 4 mile daily walks, to driving her to exercise more, talking to friends about nutrition and exercise (also the occasional total stranger. Yes, I am one of those folks!) I have even decided to begin training in (good) nutrition and fitness, so I can better get the word out there of how just a diet change can have such a huge impact on anyone’s life. Dr. Davis book is absolutely the real deal. For those that think it does not work, try it. You will be amazed at not just the results, but also how easy it is to live without these modified grasses. I can walk through the middle of a bakery, and not even feel tempted. I just smile at what I was like before I gave those items up. I would not go back to the old me for anything!
DK
I have always had allergies and asthma, as early as age four I have memories of struggling to breathe. In my 30′s I decided to walk three miles each day, eat a healthy diet, lose weight and get my asthma under control….and felt the worst ever in my life. I added whole grain pasta, whole wheat bread, bagels etc. to my diet and progressively felt worse. My asthma was out of control (daily medication), the skin rash/bumps on my skin were more defined than ever, itchy I was constantly taking Benadryl. Going to the DR gave me more medications, which seemed to give me more side effects, or only help for a short time. No one was treating what was causing my asthma, headaches, exhaustion, itchy skin and generally unwell feeling, only treating the symptoms!
I decided to keep a daily/food journal and record what did, I ate, the time eaten and how I felt through out the day. I’m not sure why, it just felt like a last resort. Come to find out within an hour or two of eating wheat, or corn products (sometimes sooner) my asthma would act up and I would need my fast acting inhaler/allergy meds. Next I cried (it felt like grieving), I had no idea how to remove wheat and corn from my life, that is all I ever ate…pastas, bread, etc. My comfort food. How do I socially eat with friends at dinners, restaurants??? (It seems to be in EVERYTHING!!!)
Still, I thought maybe just a test, I’ll remove it for a few weeks and if there is no difference… nothing lost, nothing gained. To my surprise I had headaches at first, worse than ever…but by week two, I had some really great side effects. Headaches went away, I lost 7 pounds without trying. By the third week, I was still losing weight and my skin was glowing and clearer than ever. By week four, my joint pain and aches that I thought were caused by walking, or ‘doing too much’ went away (no more daily pain meds) and I was sleeping better through the night.
By week 8 I lost over 20 pounds, no longer needed daily asthma medication and my exhaustion seemed to disappear. I started this the last week of December, and total I have lost 30 pounds, and feel great. (maintained it too!!!) The skin bumps on the back of my arms are GONE, I’ve had them all of my life and had no idea they could ever just be GONE! (Even went to the DERM several times, nothing worked.) I’ve learned not to cheat either, immediately my wheezing, mood, itchy skin and exhaustion return with just a slice of pizza. It’s not worth it!
I was excited to read your book, and hear that while I stumbled across this by accident, there are others that understand how I felt, and how great I feel now. My children have their mom back, and my husband is excited and noticed all of the positive changes too.
Ang
I have been wheat-free for 9 days after reading the article in Woman’s Day (which I NEVER pick up — don’t know why it struck me that day to read it). I cannot believe the PROFOUND DIFFERENCE in my life.
I have spent 43 years in the throws of what I will call a “food addiction” problem. The CONSTANT fight to win the battle of not eating too much, not eating the wrong foods, not eating, exercising more, etc. has taken a toll on my life and is time wasted I can never get back. But my husband described this best when he said “it’s like you’ve been a wheelchair and can walk again.” Cravings have been ELIMINATED. I mean COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. The ability to recognize ACTUAL HUNGER is so foreign to me that when, in the past eight days, it happened, my husband and I were GIDDY. I actually KNOW when I am hungry. I have NEVER KNOWN what hunger felt like.
PERFECT EXAMPLE: We were at a ballgame and there were few options available and I was, as my husband, GENUINELY hungry. So I ordered a sauage and peppers without the bun and the fries that came with it. Now, I have NEVER EVER EVER LEFT FRIES on a plate and called them a “trigger food” for me for years. But, with out the wheat trigger in my life, I easily knew when I was full and, lo and behold, half the fries were left. NOW LET ME BE CLEAR: I am not saying I’ve replaced bread with french fries, I get that carb-porn/fried or otherwise can be problematic and I am eating plenty of vegetables, lean meats, brown rice and healthy choices, but when I was in a situation where real genuine hunger and VERY limited choices made a poorer choice the only option — without WHEAT, I was able to eat like a NORMAL human being, recognizing the signs of FULL and not feeling depriviation or the need to “WILL” myself not to finish the fries. I have NEVER had that ability!!!!!!
Oh — and I’ve lost eight pounds in the eight days.
Anne
When I was in my mid 50′s I started having problems with blockage of my LAD [left anterior descending coronary artery]. I had multiple stents that failed and went on to bypass in 2000. After bypass I still did not feel well. In 2003, I was having SOB [shortness of breath] and pitting edema of my lower legs. My cardiologist suggested that I have another angiogram to see if there was more blockage.
At that time I was also experiencing terrible pain from small fiber peripheral neuropathy. My energy level was down to “0″, My skin, eyes and mouth were dry. I had many other symptoms. All these symptoms along with the SOB and edema, and I thought I was dying.
Because my doctors had no answer for my peripheral neuropathy(PN), I turned to google. I found a forum and was told to read the articles of Dr. Hadjivassiliou about the connection between gluten and PN. Although I asked my doctors to test me for celiac disease, they all refused so I used www.enterolab.com. My tests were positive for antibodies to gluten and a tissue transglutaminase reaction to gluten. I stopped eating gluten the day I received my tests results and within 3 days I knew I was on the right track. The first symptom that disappeared was my knee pain.
After a few weeks of living without wheat, barley or rye, I noticed that I was no longer had SOB or pitting edema. My energy level was improving too. I called my cardiologist and told him that I saw no reason for further tests at this time.
Over time my diet has changed even more. I am still very strict about gluten. The slightest amount will cause symptoms for up to 7 days. It did not take me long to figure out that I am also sensitive to yeast and that I feel better totally grain free. I am now on a paleo/primal diet that is low in carbohydrates. Keeping my carbohydrates low keeps my blood sugar from rising. Yes, turns out I also have T2DM [type 2 diabetes mellitus]. My fasting blood glucose is “normal” but my postprandial BG can easily spike over 200. My doctors were not concerned about this because of the normal fasting levels.
I have been gluten free for almost 8 years and low carb/primal/paleo for a little over 2 years. I feel my health is doing great – I feel great and have energy. Oh yes, as far as my PN, all that is left is mild residual numbness without pain. Recently I have been getting more temperature sense back.
John K. from Texas
I was some kind of wheat belly slob. My health was terrible. I was on an express lane to early death. I found myself in the hospital and had a stent inserted into the infamous “widow-maker” artery. After the surgery I began asking questions as to what I needed to do to improve my health. I was told that if I have any difficulties to let them know. I really expected at least something about preventative measures, etc. Nope. That began my journey to find solutions. I found Dr. Davis and TYP (Track Your Plaque) and so began a new journey.
So, I am glad to share how it all began — eliminating wheat and grain!
Since eliminating wheat & grain from my diet in 2007, I went from 265 lb pathetic slob to 180 lbs., down 85 lbs! I was taking ToprolXL, Benicar for high blood pressure and Tricor for triglyceride. Diagnosed: hypertriglyceridemia. I am embarassed to say that I could not even bend over to tie my shoes; I had to sit-squat. Look at that huge wheat belly (pix below)!
Then (02/2006):
LDL = 89
HDL = 30
TG = 360
Total Ch = 191
Wt = 265 lbs
I stopped eating all wheat and grain products and I dropped a huge amount of body fat — and that ugly wheat belly. Gone! In the beginning I thought I would miss wheat and grain but never did. The transformation was like a miracle. That 265 lb wheat-belly slob is but a distant acquaintence today. And, look what happened to my lipids!
Now (03/11):
LDL = 62
HDL = 67
TG = 94
Total Ch = 148
Wt = 180 lbs
After losing my “wheat belly” I truly regained my youth! I am 69 years old and feel like I am in my 20s (energy, stamina). I am in great physical condition. I no longer need BP medication or tryclyceride medication.
My health insurance has a preventative care program and a nurse would call me to check on my health, diet, etc. They abandoned me long ago — I no longer fit their profile. My cardiologist jokes with me, asking me why I even come to see him.
I am busy with all kinds of interesting projects and even going back to grad school to take courses, just for the fun of it. This summer I am hoping to skydive once again (used to do that regularly years ago).
Before-After
It is difficult to imagine that THAT wheat belly dude was me a mere 4 years ago!
Joan
As a person who formerly owned a wheat belly, I can tell you this works. I was a 5’8? 162 pound woman whose blood sugars were verging on prediabetic and triglycerides were at Lipitor levels. And I had that soft, squishy, grandma belly. March 1, I gave up wheat and its cousins, rice, oats, and corn. By June 1, I had lost 32 pounds, my blood sugars are in a 15 point range from 85 to 100 at all times, my triglycerides are normal, and my squish is gone. I lost my GERD [gastroesophageal reflux disease], my urge for afternoon naps, my gnawing hunger, and my IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] along the way. I never counted a calorie, just read labels and checked blood sugars to make sure I was on track. Easiest diet ever.
I’d take a look at the trackyourplaque blog as well. I read every single post…and a lot of the replies. I learned to “eat to my meter.” Dr. Davis has a couple of great posts about that. I’d add a food, test my sugar, repeat for each new food, at first. I learned what I could and could not eat. As long as my 1 hour blood sugar stayed under 110, I lost weight by the pounds per week, sometimes as many as 4. Not sure what the directions would be for a diabetic on meds, though, as far as a desirable 1 hour post-prandial sugar. There will be some medication adjustment that would have to go on there if you follow the diet. But basically, what made the difference for me was getting rid of wheat, rice, corn, and oats. I just don’t eat them. And they are in almost everything you pick up that is processed in any way.
I’ve relearned how to cook, thanks to a lot of folks in the low-carb community, many of whom are diabetic or prediabetic and are managinng without medication. I’m embarrassed to say I’m a nurse who helped teach cardiac patients “how to eat.” (At the behest of the doctors I worked for, no less.) Now I have the urge to call them all and tell them just how wrong I was. Eating whole grains put 30 pounds on me and raised my blood fats. Eating without grain took off the weight, normalized my sugars, and lowered my blood fats. My wheat eating friends, who are all my age, keep telling me I’m “too skinny” now. But I’m the only one who is playing tag with the grandkids, and not sitting around complaining of being too tired to go anywhere, so I figure I’m ahead of the game.
Frank of Low-Carb Age
My doctor recommended reducing carbohydrates in 2009 to lower my triglycerides. This was a last ditch attempt after several years of trying to lower it with a low fat diet, fish oil, niacin and, briefly, a triglyceride lowering drug. The combined pharmaceutical approach resulted in only a modest decrease from 440 to 344, and I developed an allergy to the drug. With a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, my insurance company recommended I start Metformin, a blood sugar management drug. It seemed like my future was predetermined; I would follow the other members of my family into type II diabetes and eventually become insulin dependent. But six weeks after starting the low carb diet, my triglycerides fell to 106, well below the 150 reference standard. My blood sugar stabilized at just over 100, and has been under 100 for the past year.
Along the way, I lost 50 pounds, started sleeping through the night, stopped taking Prilosec for my GERD [gastroesophageal reflux disease] and quit nearly falling asleep during my afternoon commute. Other than sugar, wheat represented my biggest carbohydrate load, as I loved bread, pastries and other “healthy whole grain” foods. I do know that if I eat wheat, even staying within reasonable daily carbohydrate limits, my GERD returns. Dr. Davis’ research through the years, combined with his real world experience in treating thousands of patients, has helped me understand the contribution wheat made to my health problems. Today, I no longer fear the onset of type II diabetes, as I have eliminated the markers for metabolic syndrome.
Shaun
I have a double success story here, with my wife and myself.
Being a life-long keep-fit enthusiast, I had never had any trouble staying lean. Health is another matter, though; I had habitually suffered from sinus problems (and pretty serious infections) and joint pain; however, I always attributed the latter problem to 25 years of contact sports and intensive training. It wasn’t until last September (the 13th to be precise), when we cut out all cereal products that I was leaping out of bed with no neck, back or knee pain whatsoever. This was the first time in years that I was able to get up without a prolonged mobilization session. Incredible!! I was to experience many, many more advantages to wheat-free living over the following weeks and months…
Being very active, I found myself in a prison of sorts. To fuel my hiking, kayaking, cycling, running etc. I had to be practically living in the kitchen. Bagels, OJ, toast, pasta etc. were the mainstay of my refuelling. I was constantly ravenous, bolting down “heart-healthy” breakfast cereal at 6 am before walking the dogs, then returning home to wolf down a few slices of low-fat toast . . . and on and on it went, all day having to top up with all kinds of wonderfully healthy wheat products. I never stopped to think that this might be my body’s way of screaming “Shaunito, there’s something seriously amiss here, you’re not nourishing yourself adequately!”
I just continued stuffing my face and then, low and behold, despite being the most active person amongst everybody I knew, I started gaining a lot of podge.
How could this be?! I was spending all my free time training and yet I was gaining body fat. Ahh, it just gets harder with age, I was told. An inevitable aspect to aging . . . and then I came across people such as Dr. Davis and their very cogent explanations regarding the deleterious effects of wheat. I immediately knocked all cereals on the head and discovered the joy of living without the horrible, gnawing hunger that had previously accompanied me throughout my entire existence. Now, I eat once or twice a day and never suffer the type of hunger that makes one miserable. I savour my food, rather than just see it as fuel. I can do as much as I like and still go an entire day without even thinking of food. Oh yes, I effortlessly dropped 12 kilos [26 lbs] and my wife 10 kilos [22 lbs] over the first few months.
All of these things were tremendous findings, but the most mind-blowing success for us was what happened with my wife’s fifteen year struggle with colitis. She had started losing a lot of blood when she was a teenager and, despite all the usual medical interventions, this had continued to afflict her into her thirties. During one bad spell she had been taking up to 13 types of medicine (amongst other invasive procedures) and, long story short, had never been close to being “fixed.” It was just too much leafy veg perhaps, or…or…and on she went suffering a very uncomfortable existence.
Fast-forward to last year and our wheat elimination starting in September. After the already mentioned improvements we were delighted to realize that my wife had gone a month without losing blood (previously she had suffered bouts of colitis every few weeks on average), so we were pleased that things seemed to be clearing up . . . then two whole months . . . and after three months we were ecstatic. Then Christmas arrived and although I stayed on the wheat-free path, the little lady got a bit ahead of herself and suffered the consequences. Mere moments after “enjoying” a local wheat-tastic dish she had to run to the toilet and it took her three weeks for everything to clear up and return to pre-Christmas levels of well-being.
Sometimes we need the extreme problems in order to make a change in our lives and this episode has convinced both of us to stay on the wheat-free course for the rest of our lives. On the rare occasion that we unwittingly consume the noxious substance, we both suffer horrendously (me with joint pain and my wife with another episode of colitis), but we merely consider this a reminder to behave ourselves. Our friends (mostly in their thirties and, in their own eyes, unaffected by wheat) virtually all show symptoms of impending problems and, although I do my best to push books and websites on them, they will probably resist until things take a drastic change for the worse. The wheat bellies are growing and the men are increasingly endowed with female breasts, but they insist that they just need to increase the gym visits . . .
Hopefully this knowledge will become more mainstream and everybody can start enjoying the sort of health that me and my wife are currently blessed with, thanks to blogs and books like “Wheat Belly.”
Thanks for all the information that we have been fortunate enough to pick up from you and your blog, Doctor, and we are currently awaiting your book (which will find its way into the hearths and homes of our friends before it’s too late).
Regards,
Shaun
Thank you Carrie,
I read the preview of the book and that in its self made me cut wheat out. I plan on reading the whole book, and am very excited to do so.
Anyone: Any advice in the meintime re: grains other than wheat?? Should I be eating things such as corn, quinoa, brown rice, rice pasta etc?
Thank you!
Spent years gluten free, didn’t lose more than 5 lbs.. The day I cut out the rice/potatoes/corn I started to shrink. Just a thought….
hi Lisa:
I am wheat-free, and have cut-out the potatoes, no rice, no bread – no “gluten-free” products that are basically replacements for “wheat-type” foods. But I am eating WONDERFULLY, and any sort of cravings have gone away – I have completely lost that sort of ‘got to have it’ type feeling. Last night I made poblano peppers (halved) with a smear of cream cheese, wrapped with a piece of thinly sliced ham and/or slice of turkey – baked in the oven … today, I ate leftovers of that for lunch, wrapping it in a par-boiled cabbage leaf, so it was like a poblano-cream cheese-ham-cabbage wrap – VERY delicious! Tonight I made regular stuffed pasta shells for my family (they aren’t wheat-free yet), and the very same thing for myself, except put the stuffings (ricotta cheese mixture + ground beef mixture in tomato sauce) into green pepper halves – both pans are in the oven right now, side-by-side, and I won’t be missing anything, and all I did extra was cut a green pepper in half. I am also NOT limiting myself to specific portions – if I want more, I remind myself that I can have more, and then I do have more & enjoy! If I don’t want more, then I am good to go with what I gave myself in the first place. Good luck!
Thank you both so much for the advise!
So, have you cut carbohydrates out all together? What do you eat for a startch? I hear sweet potatoes are safe… thoughts?
I don’t worry about having a starch. You will get fiber from the many veggies, nuts, ground flax, etc. Dr Davis does have some recipes in the book, not very many, but I started with those when I wanted something different than what I would come up with on my own. I did make the carrot cake recipe, and ate a piece of that each day until it was gone – that had coconut flour in it.. He also introduced me to Shirataki noodles, which I must say, I love. Once I made them like ramen noodle soup; added mushrooms, parsley, chicken broth & drizzled 1 egg in (like egg drop soup). Then I made shrimp in a cream cheesy garlic sauce with the shirataki noodles – LOVED both. I also made the cheesecake recipe – loved it…. I eat peanutbutter, 85% cocoa chocolate bars (bitter, but I like them – they may not be for everyone). I can’t say enough about the cabbage wraps – I have smeared peanutbutter & rolled, tuna/mayo/pickles, hot ham & cheese, can make pickle wraps of sorts using these too – cabbage leaf, cream neufetchel cheese, pickle, roll – add more leaves if you want it larger in size – salads, eggs, really just plenty of stuff to eat. Again – good luck Lisa!
Hi Lisa:
Another “starch” idea for you – You may cook a head of fresh cauliflower and then mash it like mashed potatoes – just be sure to drain as much water out of it as you can. Mash to your hearts content (a little or a lot, whichever you prefer)! I added garlic, salt, pepper, some butter & some cheese when I made it this week, and it was WONDERFUL. Hope you’re still looking into doing this.
I am just under 1 month, and am going strong. I truly believe this is for life. I feel great & have lost weight – looking forward to losing future pounds as well. I am looking at weight loss as an AWESOME side-effect to a healthful way of living. ~Carrie
I was in the hospital recently with a small bowel obstruction. 14 years ago I had the same thing, waited too long to get to hospital and had emergency surgery resulting in septic shock, 5 scary touch and go days in intensive care close to death, and 3 weeks in the hospital. This time I recognized the symptoms, got myself to the emergency room, and and was able to avoid surgery but still spent 9 days in the hospital. While there a male LPN, a “big” guy like me recommended the book and I got it, read it, and immediately started completely eliminating wheat containing products from my diet. I have tried Atkins diets in the past and getting great blood test results which pleased my cardiologist but didn’t really get him on board cutting down on carbs. Falling off that wagon I ballooned in weight up to 262 pound being 5′ 8 at 58 years of age with all the classic wheat belly symptoms found in the book. Mid-section fat (even after eliminating beer from my diet 2 years ago), appetite spikes, drowsy spells after my “bagel-fests”, joint pain, arthritis and more. It has been only 3 weeks and I have lost 13 pounds but more importantly I have lost my out of control appetite, making the weight loss easy. My knees are starting to bother me less and I can actually put on socks and shoes without struggling and getting out of breath. My wife is on board and is planning and cooking all our meals. We are very excited about the journey we have begun. We made the mistake before finishing the book of going “gluten free” at first, including a $50 shopping spree on gluten free baking supplies at a health food store. We are not going to replace the wheat breads with other types that will spike our blood sugar. That was a real eye opener and I think a very important point in the book for those of us not actually allergic to wheat, but needing to lose weight along with the other health benefits of a wheat free diet. Ive tried Weight Watchers and Atkins diets in the past and both worked pretty good. I realize now that I was cutting down wheat from the low carb diet, and restricting it with the Weight watchers approach as well ( but hungry ). This book explained to me why those diets are helpfull but now I am confidant this approach has already, and will continue to be, successfull in restoring my health.
Best Regards,
Robert E Young
No wheat and back to the real me!
I am 41 year old busy mom and I have been wheat free (and gluten free) for 12 weeks. My results are dramatic! I found out about Wheat Belly from a friend. I looked it up on Amazon and started going wheat/gluten free the second I pressed the “buy” button! That was 12 weeks ago.
My history is a lifetime of typical outdoor allergies as well as many mild food allergies, IBS, diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, gas-bloating, water retention, swollen calves, mild depression , anxiety, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, acne & rosacea, asthma, body aches and joint pain, plantar fasciitis, and bursitis….all of which I thought were unrelated and just part of who I was.
Three months ago I was taking the following medications:
• Hydroclorathiazide
• Amoxicillin for acne
• Lorazepam for anxiety
• Albuterol
I was also just about to make my appointment go back on an anti-depressant
• Effexor
The first week off of wheat I had mild headaches… It was like I was withdrawing from an anti-depressant…. I can’t imagine having a 5 day headache if I stop eating broccoli for a week!! By the end of the week I felt so different I just started crying. I was sad for the amount of years that I had felt so bad…and in 6 days I felt SO great. The first month I felt great, but I was tired. I started exercising after 1 week because my joint pain and hip pain had suddenly disappeared! I continued to exercise and was so shocked to actually be “sore” the next day…I hadn’t felt a normal muscle soreness (that wasn’t an injury) in YEARS. The first 8 days I must have lost at least 5-7 pounds in water weight. I couldn’t believe it when I looked down and recognized my “normal sized” legs! I was tired during the day at first but after 6 weeks I found I no longer needed a nap. After week 9 my energy started to pick up dramatically.
I tested negative for Celiac Disease…which surprised me because I felt so much better that there MUST be something medically wrong with me. My doctor thinks I must be wheat intolerant or gluten intolerant, but as he put it, “there is no medication for it, so the treatment is to stay away from it.” I had to gradually wean off of the diuretic as well as the acne medications because my skin was too dry and my blood pressure was low. Also, my doctor had a shocked look on his face when I told him a few days ago that my inhaler and anxiety medication have remained UNTOUCHED for 12 weeks. After 2 weeks I couldn’t believe how well I could breathe…all my asthma was gone! My doctor told me “This is great just keep doing what you’re doing.” Next time I visit, I’m bringing him a copy of Wheat Belly.
After 3 months I have lost 14 lbs…(from 143 to 129 lbs!) I am no longer bloated. I get hungry when I’m really hungry…maybe 4 hours after I’ve eaten (instead of 40 minutes!) I have tons of energy. I can work out in the morning, run errands and work during the day and then cook dinner and still have energy for my kids after school and into the evening. I do this effortlessly now. I am not anxious! At night I have such restful sleep…last time it was this restful I was on Effexor. Those are all reasons enough…but the most amazing thing that happened to me is that I am off 5 medications. FIVE! I never even thought this was a possibility. I am in shock and am so happy.
As far as my other issues:
• IBS – GONE
• Diarrhea – GONE
• Severe abdominal cramping – GONE
• Gas-bloating – GONE
• Water retention – GONE
• Swollen calves – back to normal!
• Mild depression – GONE
• Anxiety – GONE
• High blood pressure – GONE
• Heart palpitations – GONE
• Acne medications – GONE
• Rosacea – GONE
• Asthma – GONE
• Body aches and joint pain – still surprised they are GONE!
• Plantar fasciitis – GONE
• Bursitis – GONE
I do believe I have a true Wheat/Gluten Intolerance/sensitivity. But even if I didn’t…I am staying away from this “wheat”. After 41 years of eating it …my body doesn’t like it anymore. I don’t even crave it even when it’s right in front of me. When I see cakes, rolls and bread…most of the time it looks no different to me than something inedible…like paper. It is just no big deal anymore. How good bread tastes is not worth going back to how bad I used to feel! I feel too good to ruin my health by eating wheat.
As a side note, and probably out of fear that I would be craving wheat…the first week I bought 2 bags of gluten free pretzels, 1 box of gluten free cookies, & 1 bag of chocolate covered GF pretzels. 12 weeks later…they remain unopened in my pantry. I choose other foods instead – like “no bake cookies” or few squares of dark chocolate.
I had a dozen or so health issues that I never thought could be connected. My doctors didn’t help me at all. I read your book and helped myself. It was the wheat/grains/gluten after all. Thank you for writing this book Dr. Davis. You changed my life!
Olivia
Olivia–
I need a story just like yours for my new Wheat Belly Cookbook?
Would that interest you?
Yes that would be great! I would love to help. If you need any additional information let me know.
Hello everyone.
I’m a 52 year old “young” woman, 5’8″ tall, and I have lost 60 pounds in the past 12 months by eliminating all sugar, bread, grain, flour, and pasta from my life. About 95% gluten-free. (There’s a little malodextrin in my whey protein powder that doesn’t seem to make a difference.) I have 40 pounds left to lose to reach my goal weight of 135, but I already feel absolutely wonderful! I have enjoyed reading your stories, and I found myself thinking, “Wow, this sounds just like me!” Here’s my story. Pictures will follow soon!
I was a model and in beauty pageants during my teen years and early 20s when I weighed between 120-125. Over the years and due to hormone problems, carb addiction, a sedentary lifestyle as a computer tech, and other factors; I gained over 100 pounds and weighed 235 by the age of 48. I had constant sacroiliac and sciatic nerve pain, terrible acid reflux, symptoms of pre-diabetes and high blood pressure, and debilitating menopause problems. I hurt all over and barely had the energy to do daily chores – much less exercise. The thought of losing so much weight was overwhelming and depressing. I was in a destructive cycle of comforting myself with with chocolate chip cookies and other junk foods – Cheetos were a favorite. (Yikes!) Except for work, I completely dropped out of society – always afraid I’d run in to someone who would be shocked at how my appearance had changed over the years. Even my mother said, “Your obesity is the difference between a beautiful daughter and an ugly daughter.” (Thanks, Mom.) I didn’t see a doctor for over a decade because I knew I would be “fussed at” – plus I was afraid of what my bloodwork results would be.
Before my son got married last May, my mother told me I shouldn’t attend the wedding because my weight would embarrass the family. I was devastated and mortified. And although I attended the wedding, I left afterward and missed the reception. It was a turning point for me. 12 hours later, I put myself on a sugar-free, fake-food-free, wheat-free diet before even hearing about Dr. Davis’s Wheat Belly book. (I have since eliminated almost all gluten as well.) I eat only “superfoods” now, not as a “diet” so much as a way of life. I quit my job sitting in front of a computer all day, and my husband and I are managing on his income. I bought a juicer, and now I drink spinach, cucumber, bell pepper, lemon, ginger juice every day. I drink a whey protein shake made with unsweetened almond milk, blueberries, and flaxseed every morning, and I eat a couple of handfuls of almonds throughout the day. Lean proteins (all organic, grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free), high mono-unsaturated fats (I drink safflower oil mixed in water every day), and non-starchy veggies make up my lunches and dinners. Or I’ll fix another breakfast shake. I limit cheese. I also drink organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar mixed with water before meals. I fix the same foods for my husband but he gets larger portions and I add brown rice and other complex carbs for him. (He doesn’t seem to have gluten sensitivity and actually needs to gain weight, but I still limit his gluten.)
I was never much of a beer drinker (a.k.a., “Liquid Bread.”), but I did love to drink wine. Now, if I want a drink, I have vodka or rum mixed with sugar-free lemonade made with Splenda. I haven’t had any wine in over a year. I’ve never been a soda drinker, so that was never a problem. I make sure I drink at least two cups of green tea daily.
I take a host of supplements – carefully tailored for my needs – including probiotics, herbs for menopause, resveratrol, enteric fish oil, and B-vitamins. I also recently starting take bio-identical hormones made by a compounding pharmacist. Been on them for three days and my hot flashes and night sweats are already gone.
The day after that awful but necessary wake-up call last May, I started walking every day. I could walk for about 1/2 a mile before my back and sciatic pain forced me back home. Slowly but surely, I worked my way up to adding a 1/2 mile a day and then to gentle jogging. Now, I feel like I could run for miles. I also work out with weights 3 or 4 times a week to a DVD. No need for a gym. I actually crave exercise now. There isn’t a cookie, candy bar, or Cheeto out there that feels as good as the pleasure I get from my work-outs.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve lost 60 pounds, and it has changed my life – SAVED my life. Acid reflux is completely gone. Sciatica and lower back pain is 75% gone. My skin glows, my hair is long and silky again, and my fingernails are healthy and hard as steel. The rosacea on my face, neck, and chest is gone. Allergy symptoms have disappeared. Digestive problems are a distant memory. My joints don’t ache as much and aren’t as stiff in the morning (but arthritis is difficult to treat), and I have so much energy, I have to force myself to go to bed at night. My menopause symptoms have virtually disappeared. I can wear shorts for the first time in over 25 years, and I love wearing pretty clothes rather than black all the time. Even my earlobes are smaller! LOL!
After more than ten years, I finally went to a doctor last week – an internist – for a check-up and received a clean bill of health. She said my bloodwork results were “perfect” and that she wished all her patients were as healthy as I am.
My husband is delighted. Although he has always been very affectionate and loving to me, and he told me I was still beautiful at my heaviest, he is obviously MUCH more attracted these days.
I have a new-found confidence and enjoyment of life – something I haven’t felt since my 20s. I know physical appearance isn’t the most important aspect of ourselves, but it sure does feel good to turn heads again. More importantly, I feel wonderful – physically and psychologically – and I’m living life rather than waiting to die. I realize I still have about 40 pounds left to lose, but I’m so excited about the New Me and my New Future; I say, “Bring it on!”
Thanks for reading this. May we all continue to improve our health and enjoy life again!
Fabulous, Maggie!
Could I get your permission to use your story in the upcoming Wheat Belly Cookbook?
Hi Dr. Davis. You are welcome to use my story. I’m honored!
Fabulous, Maggie!
I will email you with details.
Hi all,
I need to clarify a couple of statements I made above.
One year ago, and before reading Wheat Belly, I put myself on a sugar-free, fake-food-free, low carbohydrate diet. (25 grams or less of carboyhydrate a day.) I allowed myself a slice of “Health Nut” wheat bread in the morning. And although I started losing weight, my significant belly fat barely budged, and I still looked bloated all over. I was also still experiencing gastro-intestinal issues, skin problems, fatigue, and joint pain. What was I doing wrong? It was very frustrating and disheartening. Little did I know the few carbohydrates I was advised to eat in the form of “healthy” grains was actually sabotaging my weight loss and adding to my health problems.
When Wheat Belly came out, I immediately knew I had found the answer I’d been looking for. After less than a week of eliminating wheat products from my diet (not difficult at all!), my energy level, joint flexibility, skin rashes, and intestinal issues dramatically improved. After three more weeks, I was shocked to discover I had lost 18 pounds since reading Wheat Belly. But the biggest surprise was the noticeable loss of fat in my belly and upper thighs. I even lost fat in my back and arms!
Then, as the rest of my post says, it’s been an exciting transformation ever since reading Wheat Belly.
I have been wheat free for about 3 weeks now but haven’t had the same results of those posted here. I lost about 2 pounds the first two days and then haven’t lost anymore. I actually had more stomach issues by not eating wheat and consider going back to my old way of eating. Am I doing something wrong? I stay away from the foods listed in your book and only eat very small amounts of any starchy foods like rice or potatoes rarely. Most mornings consist of eggs with Parmesan cheese. Lunch is a sale with meat like chicken and dinner is some kind of meat with cheese or vegetables. I also run 3 miles 3-4 times per week and now feel more tired running than I used to. Please help!
Hi Allan,
Dr. Davis is your best source of help of course, but my experience has been that cheese does more harm than good as far as weight loss. Your stomach issues are a red flag. If you’re having gurgly intestines and other gastrointestinal problems, you may very well be lactose intolerant. Experiment by cutting out dairy products for a few days and see what happens. I’ve found that substituting unsweetened almond milk where I formerly used milk helps a LOT. If cutting out cheese is too much of a sacrifice, add something else like turkey bacon and turkey sausage to your breakfasts. Still need to add something yummy? Roast your own raw almonds and snack on those throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable. Don’t worry about healthy fats like almonds. It also sounds like you’re not getting enough carbs in the form of veggies if you’re fatigued. I have either a HUGE salad with full-fat dressing or I make my Lean Green Mean juice (see my post above) for a great carb boost. Or, make a whey protein powder shake with unsweetened almond milk and frozen blueberries for a delicious carb boost that won’t sabotage your weight loss. You are definitely doing the right thing for your body by cutting out gluten. And remember, you can have gluten-free products like brown rice and flaxseed, but just a little during your weight loss phase. Hope this helps!
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for the tips. I was worried that it might be due to being a woman in my 40s and my metabolism just not getting with it.
I’ll try to cut out cheese. I am lactose intolerant – mostly to milk – so i only drink almond milk if any. I did notice the last week that my stomach issues have subsided even without cutting out the cheese.
I think my main problem with losing weight, may be having wine at night. It’s been hard for me to cut that out and I know there’s a lot of sugar in it. Other than that, I typically eat almonds at breakfast and a salad with chicken or some sort of meat for lunch. Dinner sometimes is almond meal bread that I make with a slice of cheese or a hamburger without the bun.
I’m sure if I cut out the alcohol, my results would be much different. I will give that a try as well. And I’ll try out your Lean Green Mean recipe too. Now if I can just persuade my husband and kids to do this with me… : )
Hi K (aka Allen),
Glad to hear your gastro issues have subsided.
I had a couple of “Ah-ha!” moments when reading your reply. First, good quality fermented cheese shouldn’t cause much trouble if you’re lactose intolerant, but it will stall your weight loss a little. A yummy thing I do for a treat on weekends: On parchment paper on a paper plate (no wax paper), microwave small cubes of high-quality hard cheddar cheese for 30 seconds. Let cool for a couple of minutes and you have Cheese Crisps! They are SO good.
Secondly, wine would definitely interfere with my weight loss because of the carbs. A small 3.5 oz. glass has 1.5 grams of carbs, which doesn’t sound like much, but it always seemed to make me feel super-bloated and gurgly “down there.” When I do have a drink, I have vodka and diet lemonade made with Splenda (not Crystal Light which is made with toxic aspertame), but I’m sure to buy vodka made from potatoes instead of wheat. I thought all vodka was made from potatoes, but I was mistaken. (Who knew?) Look up gluten-free vodka online.
Also, and in reference to any gastro issues you might still have, you may be sensitive to sugar alcohols – I know I am! These sneaky ingredients (manitol, glycol, sorbitol, and others) are what give Atkins bars and many other “diet” or “sugar-free” products their sweetness. Pull up sugar alcohols online and you’ll find a list of their names. If I consume anything with even a small amount of sugar alcohol, I have an intense and long-lasting gastrointestinal reaction.
Finally, and I’m just repeating what Dr. Davis (aka, My New Hero) says in his book, beware “gluten-free” products as far as weight loss goes. Although gluten-free is good for folks who can’t tolerate gluten at all (e.g., celiac patients), gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean carbohydrate-free. (see pp. 71-73 in Wheat Belly.)
Yes, buy a juicer if you’re having trouble eating enough veggies. It’s a pain to make a huge salad every day, and also difficult to get enough nutrients unless you eat 2 huge handfuls of spinach a couple of times a day. Let me know if/when you get your juicer and I’ll give you some tips. I got mine at Walmart for $60.
Everyone’s talking about Dr. Davis’s Wheat Belly book! It’s very exciting to be on the ground floor of such an important breakthrough. We can do this!
Wow, all these comments are so good and inspiring. My change in life occurred when I was having dinner with a friend and he told me that whole wheat bread had more sugar than a Mars bar. I couldn’t believe it as I checked the GI. Then he went on and on about his Wheat Belly book adventure. Needless to say, I became hooked on the book. Like so many others around my age of 55, I had accumulated a thin layer of fat all over my body with an additional accumulation around the belly. I used to run marathons until I had an accident that resulted in the loss of my thyroid function. Being hypothyroidic (there’s no such word), the thin layer of fat wasn’t so thin anymore. Besides the usual battle dealing with my medical condition, I had been feeling rather crappy for the last 12 years. When I retired last summer, I decided to reinvent myself by becoming a vegan, thinking this new direction would help. Might be somewhat healthier, but it did n’t reduce the weight and general butt dragging health issues. My doctor’s repetitive mantra on on my health was always “eat less, do more “core exercises”. That’s nice, but it also didn’t help. Finally I found the true meaning of life through the Wheat Belly book. I lost 25 lbs., the usual cholesterol issues fell off the table, my thyroid numbers are all out of wack (which is a good thing, meaning something is happening there), and like so many of you, I’m feeling so much better. Last night my wife asked me what was going on, I appeared to be a “little hyper”, or perhaps even “energetic”. To me, that was an excellent and revealing observation. The transformation is now complete. With the poison out of my body and off my plate, I feel better, look better and doing better. Family, friends and co-workers see the difference and continuously ask how and why. My answer is simple, “Wheat Belly”, check it out.
The wheat revolution is now! Pleased to be part of it.
Michel
Welcome to wheat-free health, Michel!
Yes, the answer is so incredibly simple, but so elusive for many, since we are victims of bad advice from nearly all quarters!
Dr. Davis,
I started to read your book last week and weighed in at 16 stone 4 pounds on Saturday morning. (My heaviest was 18’7 – I lost 2 stone over 2 years counting Weight Watchers Points, between 2008 and 2010, but in spite of my apparent success, wasn’t happy with their outlook on nutrition). I’ve had success with a low carb lifestyle, but never cut out sugar or wheat completely. I decided that last Saturday was the day I’d do this, avoid them completely, as an experiment. The weight stared reducing immediately – 5 days later I’m weighing in at 9lbs less! My close circle are horrified at the thought of giving up wheat and/or sugar and so I’ve decided not to talk to them about it, but I’m bursting with excitement so I decided to post a message here to get it all out! Much more valuable than the weight lost (though it’s great to see ithe number on the scales finally and significantly move in the right direction!) is the change in my relationship with food. It’s incredible.
I had been wrestling with some serious chocolate cravings in the few weeks prioir to Saturday – all gone immediately once I cut out the wheat and sugar COMPLETELY, with no effort on my part to avoid them. I’ve passed up foods these past 5 days I never dreamed I would pass up.
My appetite seems to be reducing every day. Today, I forgot to have my lunch and, when I finally did, I could only eat half my salad, which was already a modest portion to begin with!
Also, the afternoon slumps are gone. Yesterday, I stayed longer at work because I wasn’t tired and it was a good opportunity to work up some time. Then I did shopping, came home and cooked curry from scratch, had my evening walk and still wasn’t tired three hours later when I really needed to go to bed (I think I need to increase my activity to burn off some of the extra energy – not complaining about that!).
So, in short, thank you for your book – it gave me the final kick I really needed.
Excellent, Louise!
You can see why I argue that it’s not the sugars or junk food–it’s the wheat that drives desire for them in the first place.
Keep up your momentum!
My Husband started eliminating wheat 2 1/2 month ago. He has always eaten lots and lots of bread and pasta. He has always swore he would never eliminate his Pasta and bread…he’s 1/2 italian….and this has been a tough go! He initially did this to loose weight and he has at this point lost 20 lbs and is very pleased at the results in his weight.
He has struggled with high ldl, high tryglicerides and low hdl, so we were curious to see what the blood test results would show at his regular checkup (they test him every 3 months). Just got his blood work back….the best reading he has had in 25 years. LDL down 35% HDL up 25% and tryglicerides down 67%. He is just amazed and I am so excited for him.
Dear Dr. Davis
I am 56 years old and have struggled my whole life with my weight. My heaviest was 210. I am currently 173ibs. I have been at this weight for a number of years. I have Type2 diabetes that I am on medication for. I am also on thyroid, cholesterol, acid reflux and anti depressant medications. I work out with a trainer 3 times a week. January 1, 2012 I cut out all wheat and grains from my diet. My caloric intake of protein, vegetables, fruits is around 1000-1200 calories. My carb grams are around 90g per day. I don’t drink. I have not lost any weight and I am extremely discouraged. I read all these success stories and am very happy for the people but don’t know why it is not happening for me. What should I do?
First of all, 90 grams carbs per day is very high for a person with diabetes! Reducing it to 20 grams per day is more like it. Just be careful to meticulously avoid hypoglycemia.
Second, if you are being treated for low thyroid with levothyroxine, that is malpractice! You should have your T3 thyroid hormone addressed. Add a T3 preparation and . . . energy increases, you lose weight rapidly, you feel great. Unfortunately, John Q. Primary Care doctor or endocrinologist are the last people to help you do this. You might need to find a functional medicine doc or naturopath.
Hi Barb,
I know you must be discouraged, but you’ll be amazed how quickly you’ll feel better and lose weight when you reduce your daily carbohydrate intake. I promise!
Yes, 90 grams of carbohydrate is a LOT of carbs! I would GAIN weight if I consumed that much – despite watching calories and exercising. You’re probably hungry all the time as well because of all those insulin spikes, right?
First, re-read pp. 203-224 in Dr. Davis’s Wheat Belly book and follow the guidelines he gives on consuming carbohydrates other than wheat.
I reduced my daily net carbohydrates to 20 grams a day for two weeks and got my carbohydrates from veggies and lemon juice. (Remember to eat healthy fats as Dr. D. advises on p. 208.) Then gradually – very gradually – I added a SMALL amount of carboyhydrate in the form of berries or brown rice every day. I’ve lost 60 pounds doing this over the past year. (Please see my posts above.) I would be happy to be your cheerleader! You can do this!
Thank you Dr. Davis and Maggie. The dietician I have been going to had wanted me to have 135g carbs per day but I had cut it back to 90. I will cut it back to 20 and see how it goes. I have been on synthroid for my thyroid. I will take your suggestion and find a naturopath. Thanks again.