Though, not in a creepy "what are you wearing way"... more a "what are you eating? Imma gonna make me some of that" non-creepy way.

I've been lurking. I'm new to CCing and Cal cycling, though not new to losing weight. I've lost alot low carbing but now that I am closer to goal I want to calorie count the rest of the way and learn to maintain that way. That's the plan anyway. lol I still shun wheat products because of the bloat, blood sugar spikes and cravings (and we discovered my DH was wheat intolerant by accidently curing his IBS when I started to low carb, a Happy Accident). But I love some sweet potatos and brown rice (just a few times a week seems to work)

But I wanted to take a second and say "Heeey!" and hopefully make some new friends, be inspired and motivated.

Hey Blackbirdz!

Glad to have you hang out! I've been at this awhile myself.

Jay

Hello!

It's great to have you here! Now we can all watch YOU and what YOU'RE eating to get brand new ideas!

I hope you stick around... this is really a wonderful place for support!

Blackbirdz, welcome ! I find calorie counting works best for me and I have tried all the other diets. It works well for maintenance. Takes planning but is soooo worth it.

I'm glad you cleared that up... the subject gave me a little chill down my spine!

I love to get new ideas here for yummy foods. Here is one of my new faves...

saute spinach with a bit of garlic (and maybe red pepper flakes)
toss in 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (an AWESOME easy to make grain) and some low-fat feta (1/8 cup to 1/4 cup).
I use a LOT of spinach and put it in a pretty bowl and chow down. It's quick, easy and low cal!

Hi and welcome!

I feel so warm and fuzzy! Thanks for the wonderful welcomes and a bonus recipe, too! Excellent!

I love sauted spinach,too! I like it with pan roasted pine nuts and tiny bits of proscuitto tossed in at the end. *drools like Homer Simpson* Piiiine Nuuuts...

hi birdz i am suffering ibs and dr is very vague on how to help me with this problem
i am reading online about ibs and thru books in library i am searching for ways to help my gut and my weight. any tips you can give me about wheat/carbs and ibs will be put to good use. thanks deb

Hmmmmm.
Welcome, Blackbirdz! I, too, am intrigued by the whole "wheat intolerant/IBS cure"... Just did some quick online searching and it looks like that might just be a bit of an answer to some puzzling symptoms I've been having lately.
Would love to hear more!

Hey all sorry to get off the welcome wagon (HI!) but I wanted to input about the IBS wheat intolerance/gluten thing.

I had lots of health problems over the years, IBS then massive bruising (I have always bruised easy and lots but this was small plate sized) migraines, sinus issues ect. ect.

Well after much difficulties I discovered that wheat or gluten was causing my problems (including wheat alcohol even though some say that is not possible).

The absolute best best best way to find out is to go off wheat for 4 weeks and see how you feel! If you can't do it that long (don't forget you have to let your body heal from the damage foods that are maybe bad for you caused) then do 2 weeks.

If it helps you then have to pay more attention to small things like if your celiac (auto immune disease, very hard to diagnose). But wheat/gluten in INSIDIOUS and you can be "affected" from making a sandwich on the same cutting board as another if your not careful and you are very sensitive.

I must say though that just do the very best you can with not eating the wheat/gluten for as long as you can and you should notice a difference if it effects you.

Lettuce wraps, wraps around burgers, meat with salad, cooked veg and fruits. Basically you want to go whole foods and healthy during the trial to make it easier on yourself. PM me if you have more questions

Thanks, edzard! That does help clear things up...