How to cut back on grains(carbs)?

I started using WW's points system...from 26 down to 22.  I have not joined, just counting calories, and measuring portion sizes. I know that a cup of fruit is one point and vegetables are ZERO points, but I want to know what kind of carbs I should be filling up on even if I'm not going to be exercising that day? I have a love for cereals, bread (whole wheat only), and crackers.  I know that vegetables and fruit are also a type of carb.  I generally try to stay away from pasta, but if I MUST have it, I only eat that on weekends, when my points allowance is a bit more. Oh...also I LOVE spinach.  Either in spinach dip (which I only eat the recommended serving size) or in a salad with cucumber, green peppers and sometimes red onions...with spritzes of Hellman's Balsamic Vinegar dressing.  I'm very happy they came out with those...measuring 1-2 tbsp's of dressing became a bit tedious.  This way, it just sprays on the veggies and we're in business. I TRY taking multi-vitamins that help with weight loss...I take Vita-Slim.  I am really forgetful to take them, and the only time I remember, I take two.  Is there a negative in doubling up on doses?  I never take more than that should I forget to take them for a few days. Are there any foods that any of you could recommend to eat MORE of, to help nix the cravings for breads. Thank you in advance for any advice.  It means a lot.

Hi Barbara, you are definitely not alone in the carb craving area, I too have the carb fairy nudging at me daily. It does take a good few days to counter those cravings with things like nuts, fruits and protein, but it does help tremendously. In my personal experience, I realized that there are certain carbs out there that are my "trigger foods", especially Cheez-its.  I would portion control a serving of Cheez-its in the morning for my mid morning snack and realize an hour and a half later I was starving, and I wanted to get my hands on anything I could.  It took me a couple of weeks to realize that Cheez-its/Triscuts/Wheat Thins were a big trigger to me.  I have stopped eating Cheez-its, and will limit myself to 4 or 5 Wheat Thins at a party or social gathering.  I replaced those snacks with a mix of walnuts, almonds and a few dried cranberries.  Protein helps tremendously with cravings and so do Bananas, apples and oranges help with my cravings as well.   I do still eat carbs, especially with as active as my life is now, carbs are very very important, just the right ones.  Whole Wheat items are great, things with more fiber are great too.  One great snack that I love when I get hit with a craving or snacky are baked tortilla chips with salsa, YUMM!!!  Just a few of those make me feel so much better.  It's definitely not an easy journey, and we all have to work at it everyday, but the benefits are amazing. Keep up the GREAT work!! ~Shannon

You know, Shannon, Wheat Thins have become my favourite snack food, but honestly, I portion them out and have them on their own as a snack, and I think I had a great eating day today.  Yesterday I lost 2lbs, and I hope to keep it off.  I had peanut butter wraps today, which kept me going till lunch, and I was a BIT bad and had a small fry from A&W and a diet root beer.  That kept me going till I had some more Wheat Thins and now I'm going to sit down and have a spinach salad. I have only eaten 14 of my 22 points today so I am doing very well.  Thank you so much for your help.  I love dried cranberries, almonds and hazelnuts.  It's all in moderation.  I've also been able to have my cake, but only a small amount. I find that I can stay under my points value all week and along with exercise, I plan on losing 33 more by my birthday.  I hope that the cold doesn't deter me from staying active this winter. It's COLD here in Canada. *shivers*