Does Gluten Affect Weight Loss?

One of our mommy readers posted a very serious question that will benefit all of us; Does gluten affect weight loss? My gut (no pun intended) told me yes.

One of our mommy readers posted a very serious question that will benefit all of us; Does gluten affect weight loss? She said she wasn’t diagnosed as gluten intolerant, but noticed that she was losing weight after cutting out gluten. When she added it back, she noticed the weight coming back on. So, does gluten have an impact on your ability to lose weight? My gut (no pun intended) told me yes.  So to my trusty computer, I went in search of the answer, and I bet it won’t surprise you.  I might have to try this, because I am at a stand still and can’t seem to drop a single pound, despite working out daily and eating (mostly) right.  So, does gluten affect weight loss?

Related: Gluten Sensitivity May Be In Your Head!

Does Gluten Affect Weight Loss?

Please make sure you talk to a doctor or nutritionist before drastically changing your diet.

Test it: If you are having trouble losing weight and feel like you have tried ‘everything’, take a look at what you eat.  Does it contain gluten?  So many foods these days contain gluten, and we don’t even realize it.  Look at the ingredients (even if the box says it’s gluten free).  Stop eating those things that contain gluten for about 4-6 weeks (after discussing it with your doctor, of course).  Chances have it you will probably see a difference!

What is Leptin? We all have this hormone in our bodies, it’s job is to send the signal to our brain that we are satisfied when eating.  It has been found that many people have a resistance to this satiety hormone.  Awesome right?  If you are resistant, it means that the cells that are supposed to be receiving the info that you are full, don’t process this info (way to go body!)  It is thought that grains can contribute to this issue.  What do you do?  Cut the things out of your diet that contain grains (especially those that are gluten-filled).  You will likely see a change in your weight.

So what do I do? Well, first you should go through your fridge and freezer and toss out anything that includes all types of bread, breakfast cereals, pasta, cake mixes (gasp) and frozen french fries.  Pretty bare huh?  Except for all that fruit you still have!  Not sure if it contains gluten?  Check the label, anything made from wheat, grains or their flour is going to contain gluten.  You might need to go food shopping now.

So what can I eat? Don’t worry you won’t go hungry!  Replace rice and other starchy sides with a big leafy salad (with starch-free salad dressing).  I love to make a stir-fry with coconut oil and lots of Brussel sprouts, mushrooms and peppers.  If pasta is your thing, start making it out of zucchini!  I haven’t tried this yet, but I think I am going to!  

Will I be satisfied? Totally!  When you cut gluten and starches out of your diet, you are replacing them with good foods that your body needs and uses as fuel, not turn to fat.  Our bodies like to turn things to fat that it can’t use to function properly.  Fun right?  Guess what does not have gluten…a rib-eye steak!  And oh-so-much more!

It might take some time to figure out what you can and can’t eat, but lucky for you; there have been a gazillion blogs written about gluten-free recipes and not to mention Pinterest!  (If you have not been on, sign up, you will wonder how you lived without this so far!)  Not only will you start to lose weight, because you are eating healthy foods, but you will feel better all around.  Who doesn’t want to feel better?

 

Did you cut gluten out of your diet?  What worked for you?  How do you feel now?  Share your story with us in the comment section below!

12 thoughts on “Does Gluten Affect Weight Loss?”

  1. I do keep hearing how gluten is no good for you. I would like to see how I feel without it in my diet. Worth a try to see. Not that I feel bad, but still I’m curious. :)

  2. I have a few friends that cut out gluten to loose weight and discovered they were gluten intolerant and never realized it. They feel so much better now and have lost some weight.

  3. I know quite a few people who have cut gluten and not only does it help with weight but their overall feeling. They all feel healthy and alive. It’s something I want to consider.

  4. I haven’t decided if I would be able to go that route. It will be a major lifestyle change for me and my family who I will turn to for support. I will have to do more research. Thanks for this informative article.

  5. My daughter has celiac disease so she can’t eat gluten. She has actually gained weight since going gluten free. I know lots of people who have stopped eating it to lose weight though.

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