Can't eat whole grains, help!

[ETeSelle]

So eat some brown rice and lots of potatoes! Grains aren't absolutely necessary -- complex carbs (starches) are.

[stirFry]

One of the forum regulars Burgess has similar issues and has a blog that covers his issues: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/

You might try amaranth and see if that's okay.

[ETeSelle]

And avoid processed stuff. You seem to be asking about bread and crackers. Avoid all that. Eat real, whole foods.

[Burgess]

(Thanks, StirFry!)

I have followed the McDougall diet for about eight years. I eat no grains whatsoever -- as well as no nuts, beans, peas, or other seeds. Why? To avoid inflammation problems. Here are the problems I faced: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2007/ ... ation.html

Using the Elimination Diet, I discovered that I can eat these foods: http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2010/ ... i-eat.html

[Burgess]

I also have a problem with squash, and sweet potatos.

What test procedure did you use to decide that (winter) squash causes inflammation?

So gourds are not an option for me. They are fine for you?

As I stated on the website, I have inflammation reactions only from animal products and "seeds" (in the general sense).

[Burgess]

I noticed too that foods high in fiber affect me the most, but ...

Yes, in the realm of "seeds" (in the general sense), I too noticed that generally the higher the fiber the worse the reaction. Also, generally, the higher the protein, the worse the reaction. Is there a connection or is that coincidence? I don't know.

[Burgess]

How is white rice and white bread for you? Assuming healthy bread with no additives?

I did not test white bread. (I haven't eaten any in 35 years.) I did test white rice and I found that it is inflammatory but less so than brown rice.

[Burgess]

I dont' know how else to test it.

That is explained on my website, which you said you have read. http://anti-itisdiet.blogspot.com/2007/ ... foods.html

[kittyadventures]

I am curious about the squash thing.. do all squashes bother you? I can eat winter but not summer squash.

and interestingly I can eat chayotes ( a type of squash from south america).. and I am trying another kind this weekend in the chayote family.. summer squashes affect me within 20 minutes.

[Burgess]

I am curious about the squash thing.. do all squashes bother you? I can eat winter but not summer squash.

Do you remove the seeds from both winter squashes (such as pumpkin) and summer squashes ("yellow squash") -- or do you eat the seeds?

For me, it is seeds that are the problem: grains, nuts, beans, peas, and fruits that have seeds packed in them in such a way they can't be easily removed (figs, for example). I don't have any problems with any squash as long as I remove the seeds.

[kittyadventures]

I am curious about the squash thing.. do all squashes bother you? I can eat winter but not summer squash.

Do you remove the seeds from both winter squashes (such as pumpkin) and summer squashes ("yellow squash") -- or do you eat the seeds?

For me, it is seeds that are the problem: grains, nuts, beans, peas, and fruits that have seeds packed in them in such a way they can't be easily removed (figs, for example). I don't have any problems with any squash as long as I remove the seeds.

Ohhh I am going to have to try this.. I hadn't thought about the seeds. I know I remove them from the winter squashes of course.. but the summer ones you usually eat the seeds.

[merriweather]

Most restaurants have no problem serving dressing on the side, or just lemon juice or vinegar on the side. So you can eat a salad not drenched in oil. Salads take time to eat, so in a social situation, that can actually be helpful.

[bunsofaluminum]

So how do you eat without going hungry? Also, what happens if you are forced to eat at a restaurant for professional reasons? This is sometimes the case for me. I figure white rice with nothing on it is healthier than salad leaves drowning in oil.

I would take a little container of 321 salad dressing with me to a restaurant, and order their salad with the most "green" options (not a standard iceberg and shredded red cabbage/carrot base) and I would use my 321 dressing instead of any oily thing they offer.

Also, Sizzler is a wonderful option for McDougallers, because they have a terrific salad bar. Lots of buffet restaurants do, too, such as Chuck Wagon or Golden Corral. Just get a baked potato, and put a huge salad with it. These salad bars usually have an oil and vinegar shaker near the salad dressing options...just shake some red wine vinegar over it, some salt and pepper, and voila! You can eat.

And I understand that most steak houses have great vegan sides, maybe some oil but you can always ask them to leave off the oil. Order a baked potato and a side of steamed vegs, and a salad. Yup. Doable.

I hope your inflammation issues are resolved. I'm glad Burgess is here to help you.