Should I Avoid Grains to Lose Weight?

I answer this reader's question with the nuance it deserves.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Here’s the whole question.

After eating “mostly paleo-ish” for 5+ years, I started trying to consume more grains (a variety of whole grains like sprouted wheat, buckwheat, oats, millet, farro, etc, using these in stews/soups, homemade bread & granola).

While my LDL has improved (the main reason I made that change), I’m having many unwanted digestive issues, and I have steadily gained weight. I don’t know if I should give it more time or if my body and/or appetite don’t respond well to grains. If this seems relevant to other readers, would you care to share any thoughts on that and recommendations?

Hi Jen, let me begin by answering the overarching question. Do you have to go back to restricting grains to reverse or stop your weight gain and address your digestive issues?

I don’t believe so, but incorporating grains into your life requires nuanced understanding. You’ve grouped disparate options and labeled them all as healthy whole grains. While none is 🚩 unhealthy, some are problematic to weight and others possibly to digestion.

The good news is that your lowered LDL indicates that some good things are at work. Plus, grains are yummy!