Following a low carb diet plan doesn't mean you have to eliminate ALL whole grains from your diet. You don't need to give up your daily bread or morning cereal if you're on a low carb diet or have a wheat allergy. Just choose any of these Top 3 Secret Good Carb high protein grains, used by the Aztecs, Romans, Incas and the Egyptians:

• Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition favored by the Incas. It can be turned into a tabbouleh or a high-protein good carb breakfast cereal. To cook Quinoa: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1-cup rinsed quinoa. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork. If desired, toast the quinoa before cooking to bring out the nutty flavor.
  
• Amaranth was the Aztec's choice for flour, cereal or crackers. It boasts a protein content that exceeds ordinary wheat.To cook Amaranth: Bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, stir in 1-cup amaranth.
  
• Spelt was a staple of every Gladiator's diet, again having more protein than regular wheat. I prefer it as a pasta. To cook Spelt: For whole grain, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Stir in 1-cup spelt grain; simmer for one hour. For rolled grain, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Stir in 1 cup spelt grain; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

All these high-protein good carb grains can be found as flour, cracker, cereal, bread, pasta or even cookies! And as an added benefit, these grains are high in fiber ( and we already know that is one of the keys to weight loss.)

Allergic to wheat? Not to worry. These grains are just what you're looking for to keep your protein levels high. Now, some contain no wheat but do contain gluten, which needs to be avoided by those with Celiac Sprue Disease. I've included a table to help keep things clear. So check them out in stores such as Whole Foods, Wild Oats or Trader Joes or in the Health Food section of your local grocery store.

Here's some great resources for recipes using these ancient grains:

• Chef2Chef
• Whole Foods Recipe Index
• Bread Without Borders