Why I Eat Grain-Free Diet

I did it! I have been grain-free for over 6 months. I have tried several times and felt relief from a multitude of symptoms, but it never felt sustainable and I reverted back. I don’t know if this is forever, but it is definitely for right now.

In recent years, diets like paleo, Whole30, and different iterations of elimination diets have surged in popularity, each touting a common theme: the benefits of reducing or eliminating grains (among others). For many, a grain-free diet has become a game-changer, offering not just relief from health issues but also a path to enhanced energy, digestion, and improved overall well-being. I waited to see if ai could really do it and now I’d like to share with you why and how.

What is a Grain-Free Diet?

A grain-free diet eliminates all grains, including wheat, corn, rice, oats, and barley, as well as pseudograins like quinoa and amaranth. While similar to a gluten-free diet, which focuses on avoiding gluten-containing grains (like wheat, barley, and rye), going grain-free is a more comprehensive approach.

This lifestyle is often associated with diets like paleo and Whole30, which emphasize whole, unprocessed foods while removing grains, legumes, and refined sugars. These approaches focus on nourishing your body with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits. I have tried these exact diets and others in the past without longevity, but something about where I am in my life and how ingrained these diets have become in our culture has set e up for better success

Why Go Grain-Free?

1. Supports Digestive Health

For those with conditions like celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or a gut imbalance, grains can be a major culprit behind digestive discomfort. Even people without a formal diagnosis report that a grain-free or elimination diet helps alleviate bloating, gas, and irregularity. By removing grains, you give your gut a chance to heal and restore balance. This is definitely something that improved for me when I stopped eating grains.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Grains, particularly refined ones, can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is linked to numerous health problems, including autoimmune disorders and joint pain. Diets like paleo and Whole30 are designed to reduce inflammation by cutting out grains and other inflammatory foods. A grain-free lifestyle can help lower inflammation, potentially leading to better long-term health. One of the main things I noticed was a decrease in my pain level. I received relief from both headaches and joint pain.

3. Enhances Energy Levels

Many people find that ditching grains stabilizes their blood sugar levels, reducing the crashes often associated with carb-heavy meals. By fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats, you may experience sustained energy throughout the day. I think this is because a diet without grains forces you to focus more on balancing your plate with protein and healthy fat. It’s something we all know we should do, but all the grainy foods are delicious and make it hard to be as balanced as we should. 

4. Supports Weight Management

Refined grains are often calorie-dense and nutrient-poor, contributing to weight gain and unhealthy eating patterns. A grain-free diet emphasizes whole, natural foods that promote satiety and discourage overeating, making it easier to maintain or achieve a healthy weight. Guys, I lost 8 IBS in 1 week!  And then I continued to lose another 12 over the next few months. This is the first time I have gotten below the weight I was when I got pregnant with my first child. And I surpassed it by 10 IBS. 

5. Promotes Mental Clarity

The brain-gut connection is powerful, and many individuals report improved focus, mood, and mental clarity after eliminating grains. This could be due to reduced inflammation or a more stable blood sugar profile. Yes and yes! This is the first time in years that I can make it all day without feeling like if I don’t nap, I was going to crash. Plus, I’m actually getting less sleep than usual due to my current schedule. It’s been amazing!

Grain-Free Diet in Practice

Adopting a grain-free lifestyle doesn’t mean depriving yourself. Instead, it’s about embracing a wide variety of nourishing, whole foods. Here’s a glimpse of what a grain-free plate might include:

Proteins: Grass-fed meats, pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught fish, and eggs.

Healthy Fats: Avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, and nuts.

Vegetables: Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, root vegetables, and squash.

Fruits: Berries, apples, bananas, and other low-glycemic options.

Incorporating recipes from the paleo or Whole30 community can make transitioning easier while offering plenty of delicious and satisfying options. Like I said before, the world has embraced these types of diets significantly since Instarted trying them. The resources out there are plentiful, and I hope that I can be one more.

Is Grain-Free Right for You?

While a grain-free diet offers significant benefits, it’s essential to listen to your body. Start with an elimination diet to identify how grains impact your health. If you notice improvements in digestion, energy, or other areas, a grain-free lifestyle may be worth pursuing. It may also be something that you only need to do for a few weeks or months. Your body may just need a healing cycle. I have taken 2 different genetic tests that told me that gluten-containing grains are likely not tolerated well by my body, but not necessarily because of the gluten. It;s the grain itself that I react to. Going strictly gluten-free has not offered me any relief that I noticed. 

Warning: there is a strange withdrawal-type period that can make you moody and feel a bit flu-like. It’s mostly gone 1-2 weeks in. But it honestly wasn’t terrible, and I had known to expect it so I knew what was happening. But even with those symptoms, I could already see the glimmer of relief from chronic issues I had been experiencing. 

So, have you ever contemplated adopting a grain-free diet? It’s absolutely doable! I cook for seven other people and take their personal tastes and needs into consideration when making meals. Some of my new versions of dishes have become  favorites. I plan on sharing more information, tips and recipes here on a weekly basis and I hope that if I can help someone else going through this process like others have supported me. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *