Is Going Wheat Free All It's Cracked Up To Be?

Is Going Wheat Free All It's Cracked Up To Be? Well, I'm about to find out.


I'm going on a 30-day wheat-free diet. For many reasons, I've decided to give my body a rest from wheat and processed sugars for the month of May. I actually started this last Monday, so I'm already one week into it. I'm trying to limit my carbohydrate intake to 40 to 50 grams per day.

My reasons for doing this are:

1. I want to try to lose a little weight. Getting rid of sugars (empty calories) is an obvious first choice, but I'm also reading that wheat is a big source of carbohydrates and converts those sugars into fat.
2. I have suffered from insomnia (extreme insomnia, at times) for more years than I can count. Many people on wheat-free diets have stated that they sleep much more soundly and longer once they gave up wheat. It's definitely worth a try!
3. Energy - need I say more? A couple of weeks ago, I decreased my intake of carbohydrates and sugars for about a week and I noticed a HUGE increase in my energy level throughout the day. It isn't the Energizer-bunny kind of energy, it's a consistent, steady flow of energy that starts the minute I wake and continues until bedtime. I don't have the usual highs and lows, so it's a calmer energy (and very productive).
4. After reading Grain Brain and Wheat Belly, I feel compelled to limit my wheat intake. The authors of these two books give very compelling reasons that wheat is not the health food we've been told it is.

So, after one week, I can say this:

1. It's been really easy to give us wheat! I'm not a big bread eater any way, so this may be part of the reason why I haven't felt deprived. I've been eating more cheese and avocado (which I absolutely love!), so I'm getting the opportunity to try some new recipes and enjoying it a lot.
2. My stomach is flatter and I've lost about 1 1/2 pounds. It's hard to know if that loss is just typical weight variance that naturally happens from day to day (or water weight), but I do feel good.
3. Sleep has been good this week. Normally, if I don't get a full 7 to 8 hours sleep, I'm in a brain fog all day. It's seems that I'm sleeping more soundly and I'm not waking up as often in the night. Instead of waking up about 3-4 hours after going to bed, I'm waking up 5-6 hours later. I usually fall back to sleep quickly, and I'm wide awake after 6 - 7 hours. I really do feel very well rested.
4. I feel so much fuller than usual. It doesn't take much food to fill me up and I'm satisfied much longer. I also have found that I don't feel the need to snack.
5. My energy level is definitely higher. Like I mentioned above, it's a steady, feel good energy that lasts throughout the day. No brain fog either!

I'm happy with the results so far. We'll see how it goes the rest of the month.