Restricting our diets to be more healthy, lose weight, and prevent diseases, can be very difficult, especially in the beginning. Breads/Carbs can be one of the toughest foods to eliminate. Breads are not good for us because most grains have been through hundreds of years of genetic manipulation. They are generally made of refined flours, fillers, sugars, bleach, chemicals, and preservatives, when they only need to, and should, contain flour, yeast, water, and salt. Flours are difficult for our bodies to digest, and cause insulin spikes, weight gain, diabetes, and inflammation. Luckily not all bread is unhealthy. Breads made with Sprouted Grains and Ancient grains are not bad for you.
Sprouted grains are not bad for you because sprouted grains are actually considered a vegetable. Sprouted grains are grains soaked in water until a little plant sprouts. The sprouts are then ground up to make bread. Sprouts contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are more easily digested than flour. They do not quickly metabolize into sugar or cause inflammation like flour does. Ezekiel sprouted grain bread by Food for life is an excellent choice. They make bread, tortillas, and English muffins.
Ancient grains are grains that have not changed for thousands of years. They are not refined and processed. They contain many nutrients and many are gluten free. They are not refined so do not cause big sugar spikes or inflammation. Examples are spelt, quinoa, amaranth, millet, and sorghum. Manna makes a great gluten free bread using a variety of Ancient grains.
These breads tend to cost more than your typical loaf of bread, but the advantages outweigh the cost. I find these breads at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Lunds and Byerly’s. They are not processed so they need to be refrigerated or frozen to last. They can be found in a special bread section or in the freezer section at the store.
When you are in for your next appointment feel free to ask me about any nutrition questions you have!
– Sarah, RN