Addiction to grains- Help!

[*farmergirl*]

So I've come to a realization that I have an addiction to grains (sugar too to but not as bad as with grains).  I try to follow the Specific Carbohydrate Diet which eliminates mainly complex carbohydrates like potatoes and grains to help with Crohn's Disease as well as achy-ness etc . Eventually the grains always get me. I've stayed on the SCDiet for 6 months straight  and it did get easier but it's such a slippery slope. And it's everywhere- everyone i know IRL eats grains and it's an issue whenever I eat anywhere but at home. My MIL tries but she thinks I'm trying to avoid gluten not all grains as well as potatoes, corn, pasta etc and it doesn't help that I'm on & off the diet. My dh doesn't feel a meal is complete without having meat, and a starch and my LO's love sandwiches. 

Anyone else addicted to grains? or been? What to do?

[EchoSoul]

Want a really good reason not to be? And give your husband a good reason not to be? I found a page(just yesterday, actually!) that says grains, because we are not biologically designed to eat them, lowers sperm count. There also seems to be a correlation between the introduction of grains, and the female pelvic inlet size decreasing. I am also trying to stay away from grains, and it's difficult, because we live with my fiance's parents and there's bread and pasta and crackers ALL OVER because it's so easy to whip up food like that. But I'll tell ya.... I went three days with no grain in my diet(just as a test) and I felt awesome. Last night for dinner my fiance's mom made this really yummy chicken and veggie with cheese stuff with Penne pasta, and I was feeling so energetic before eating and then after I ate, once it hit 10 pm, I got real drowsy, which has been the routine this entire pregnancy. However, the 3 days I went without any grains...I had so much energy during the day I actually DANCED, and as 10 pm passed I sat there....and 11 passed...and 12 passed... and finally at 1 am I got drowsy. Last night I slept like crap, and the three nights I hadn't had any grains I slept probably the best I've ever slept since I got big enough to make sleeping difficult. I'm not addicted to grains, but I know how difficult sustaining pregnant hunger is without the bread and the pasta! Here are the links....

This first one is the site I found that says it reduces sperm count : http://wellnessmama.com/575/how-grains-are-killing-you-slowly/  

And this link, where it talks about and shows a data table on how the pelvic inlet size has decreased ever since the introduction of grains :  http://www.barenakd.com/2009/11/pain-in-childbirth-wrath-of-god-or-grain/

[*farmergirl*]

I too feel fantastic without grains! I didn't think I was addicted but that it was just hard because of the prevalence of grains and how easy it is to whip up a grain based meal but then I was talking to someone about alcoholism and how I didn't really understand how they couldn't just stop drinking. I was like well if can realize there is a problem why not just take action and stop drinking....and why would you have just a sip or just one if you know that eventually just one happens more often then turns into well just one or two etc. Then I thought well I can relate in terms of staying grain-free. I know I feel so much better without them but eventually I have a bite/meal with grains and it all seems fine and eventually it happens again & more often- rather like an alcoholic.

EchoSoul- those were interesting links but I'm afraid they'd hold no sway over my husband (whose diet is the saddest of SAD) as I'm currently pregnant and we seem to have no problem getting pregnant - I didn't even get my period between ds 1 and ds2.

[cristeen]

Theres a grain free tribe in TF you might want to check into for support.

[EchoSoul]

Originally Posted by *farmergirl* 

I too feel fantastic without grains! I didn't think I was addicted but that it was just hard because of the prevalence of grains and how easy it is to whip up a grain based meal but then I was talking to someone about alcoholism and how I didn't really understand how they couldn't just stop drinking. I was like well if can realize there is a problem why not just take action and stop drinking....and why would you have just a sip or just one if you know that eventually just one happens more often then turns into well just one or two etc. Then I thought well I can relate in terms of staying grain-free. I know I feel so much better without them but eventually I have a bite/meal with grains and it all seems fine and eventually it happens again & more often- rather like an alcoholic.

EchoSoul- those were interesting links but I'm afraid they'd hold no sway over my husband (whose diet is the saddest of SAD) as I'm currently pregnant and we seem to have no problem getting pregnant - I didn't even get my period between ds 1 and ds2.

That's unfortunate, :/ I'm sure the lowered sperm count doesn't affect every male, as it's gone down 50% since 1930, but I seriously thought that for every guy it was that important there's even a possibility his has been effected!

That's sure true, though..it is very easy to whip up a meal when grains are involved. Especially since during pregnancy you've got those, "Need to eat - NOW" moments, where it can be difficult to sit there and think, "Hrrrm...now WHAT doesn't have any grains attached to it....?" Can you start substituting? Like for every time you want grains, eat something that's just as satisfying to get rid of the pangs? Sometimes when I want something sweet instead of automatically heading for the pastries I'll grab a can of fruit. It may not work all the time, but it could help you get into a rythymn. How's your support system over there? You said your husband loves his carbs and your....children? Love sandwhiches? You said your mother in law tries but gets confused of exactly what you're trying to stay away from?

I think the idea of joining a grain-free tribe is an excellent idea!