What kind of grain makes you fat?

Question

I'm under the impression that refined grains like those found in white bread, white rice and pasta make you fat, but is it because they are inherently more fattening than whole-grain products or is simply due to the fact that refined grains are digested more quickly, therefore you eat more.

Answer 1

It's all about quantity. Nothing "makes you fat" except eating too much and exercising too little. You can just about anything in small quantities. The problem with "white" products is that they aren't as filling because all the fiber has been taken out of them. Therefore, you'll tend to eat more of it.

Additionally, these products don't do anything for the body. If you're trying to eat as healthfully as possible, then you'll want everything that goes into your body to do something. You don't want to consume foods that don't benefit you. White products have a lot fewer vitamins/minerals, a lot less fiber, and sometimes less protein. They're empty calories. Consuming empty calories won't make you fat, but it's not going to help you in any way.