I've been on the beach since June 6th and so far I have not added back in any grains. I was thinking that a good start might be a pot of chicken and barley soup with lots of veggies and a little olive oil to slow digestion. I still have quite a bit to lose so if anyone out there does not think this would be a good idea at this time, please let me know why. I'm perfectly happy and content eating the way I am, its just that I want to be able to ease my way into phase three as smoothly as possible when the time comes. When did any of you add in grains? Do most people actually wait until phase three?

HI!
What a great question!! It really depends on you....IMO, I think that adding barley into a soup is a very good way to add some grain into your diet. You are using the whole grain, its not flour, and will be a good additon to your plan.

Another good way is to have oatmeal....steel cut or old fashioned oats. I've also eaten brown rice with my meals. Using the whole grain is the best way to add grain.

You are doing very well with your weight loss....just about to cross over into Onederland!! Keep up all your hard work!!

Thanks. I think I'll make sure I'm officially in the 190's before the great grain experiment. When did you add your first grain?

I really don't remember....but I was in weight loss mode for almost 2 yrs....so I was always putting them in until I saw no losses and then taking them back out again. It was my way of carb cycling and keeping my body guessing. Which is what I think needs to happen when you have a lot to lose.

I use Wasa crispbreads a lot as my way of adding grain. I do avoid wheat 99% of the time. I rarely eat grain with my meals and do use them as way for a mini-meal snack. Its been working out well for me as I am clearly a grazer.

Thanks as usual for the input and support. Now I'm very much looking forward to a pot of chicken and barley soup. If I don't have a loss following the week I eat it, I'll remove it and try again later down the road.