Question:
Do you consider <b>cream of wheat</b> white carbs?

Just wondering, because I bought a box to add some variety to my diet, then after getting it home and eating it (and really liking it better than oatmeal), realized it's probably considered a "white" carb. I will probably eat the box, then switch to oatmeal, but just wanted everyone's opinion. Thanks! OPEN Proximal RNY, 7/7/03, 227/158/128    — sweetmana (posted on January 21, 2004)

January 21, 2004
You know, that's an excellent question, I'll be interested to see what others think. It's listed on the American Dietic Association's high fiber list with 2.9 g/cup. I usually go by the fiber to determine if it's a white carb or not, but others may have different criteria. Best way to tell is how it affects you...do you feel hungry soon after you eat it? Do you crave carbs all day? *shrug* If you like it and the answers are no, eat up! :)
   — Rachael B.

January 21, 2004
I watch my carbs pretty closely, but I do enjoy hot cereals. I stick mostly to Malt-O-Meal (because it's high in folate and I tend toward a deficiency), but enjoy all of the no-sugared kinds a couple of times a week.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 21, 2004
Not sure about the cream of wheat but do have a suggestion for a healthier alternative. I buy quinoa and amaranth (separately) in the health food section of my grocery store. They take a little longer to cook than CoW but I usually make enough to freeze several servings for later. One serving of quinoa (1/4c) dry has 7g of protein and 3g of fiber and is one amino acid short of being a complete protein. Amaranth is a little less complete of a protein but still has 5g protein and 4g fiber per 1/4c, dry. Anyway, I cook the two of these together and eat about 1/2 cup at a time, adding 1-2T flaxseed for omega 3's and a nuttier taste. Then, I either mix in 1/2-1 scoop of caribian cooler or vanilla protein powder (and a little milk to thin it a bit) or some sugar free vanilla coffee flavoring. Now, neither of these is carb free (25-29g per serving) but, at least you are getting more bang for your carbs!
   — eaamc

January 22, 2004
Cream of Wheat is a "white carb" because it is so low in fiber. It has a high glycemic index. However, my nutritionist has me making it with enriched milk (1 cup nonfat milk powder added to 1 quart non fat milk). By making it this way it decreases the glycemic index and is a pretty decent protein source.
   — Susan F.

January 25, 2004
Thios is an interesting questikon. I noticed on the list of suggested food from the dietician that Cream of Wheat was reccommended for the blenderized part of the diet. I was happy to see it there because I hate oatmeal but like Cream of Wheat. Guess I will ask more about it at the support meeting this week. I liked the suggestion of adding dried milk to improve the protien level. Thanks for the question and answers.
   — jeh

January 25, 2004
a great hot cereal is flax o meal and it's recommended for most low carb diets.
   — susanje