As a society that loves grain-based foods, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and confused with the conflicting information that’s out there.
Common questions I receive daily are:
- Should I eat a gluten-free diet?
- Should I avoid wheat completely?
- Are there any healthy bread or cereal alternatives?
People seem to be struggling with the idea of completely removing wheat from their diet and I don’t blame them.
Like me, you probably grew up on Fruit Loops, Nutella sandwiches, and Kraft Dinner, and it isn’t easy to re-train your taste buds.
Wouldn’t you love to eat organic, natural whole foods 100% of the time?
In an ideal world, you probably would and you would also…never crave bread, pasta or starchy foods.
But if you’re like most of us, there are times where you just want to stuff your face with a juicy burger or down an entire Margherita pizza.
So what can you eat on those days where you’re dying for carbs and a salad just won’t cut it?
Even if your goal is to follow the Paleo lifestyle, you likely aren’t part of the 1% of the population that can make drastic changes overnight.
So – Are there any healthy wheat alternatives?
If you’ve been following the recent research from Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly
According to Dr. Davis, you should avoid ALL grains in your diet – even so-called healthy whole grains. That pretty much means no bread, no pasta, no rice, and no crackers.
So what on earth should you eat?
It’s simple.
Vegetables, vegetables, vegetables, some fruit, raw nuts, healthy fats, meat, eggs and some organic dairy.
Did I mention 10 servings of vegetables per day?
Feeling overwhelmed?
Don’t be.
I know you probably can’t imagine your life without sandwiches, pizza and pasta, so I’m here to offer you a few healthier alternatives.
For all of you who have been feeling dazed with the recent research that has made headline news, here are wholesome picks that will bring you one step closer to the so-called “ideal wheat-free diet.”
Sprouted grains may be the answer.
Before modern technology manufactured and distributed grains quickly into products, grains would sit for a while and sprout, which actually increases the vitamin content of the grain.
You can purchase sprouted grain products like raw energy bars, wraps, bread, and crackers to kick those carb cravings.
5 Reasons Sprouted Grains Are Better:
#1 – Grains that have not sat to sprout have high phytic acid that can actually keep vitamins from being utilized by your body.
Choosing sprouted grains lessens the amount of phytic acid in your diet and ensures that you absorb the most vitamins and minerals possible.
#2 – Sprouted grains are richer in antioxidants and vitamins B and C when compared with their unsprouted counterparts.
These vitamins can help fight disease and cell degeneration.
#3 – Sprouted grains reduce your exposure to arsenic (a toxic element commonly found in rice/rice products).
You’ll also find that foods taste more flavorful and less sour when made with sprouted grains.
#4 – Sprouted grains are versatile.
You can use sprouts like alfalfa in many recipes, such as roasted vegetables, omelettes, and many types of salads. You can even use them as a topping on veggie supreme pizza – that is if you’re still eating pizza.
#5 – Sprouted grains may increase energy levels.
If you’re like most people, there are days where you feel exhausted at 3pm but would never dare touch an energy drink that’s loaded with ridiculous amounts of caffeine, sugar, and who knows what else.
Sprouted grain products provide a natural source of energy without all the sketchy ingredients.
In the end, remember that life is about balance.
Whether you reach for two slices of whole wheat bread, a so-called “healthier” gluten-free alternative, or a Snicker’s bar, know that they all (pretty much) have the same impact on your blood sugars.
Cheers to enjoying sprouted grains!
Dr. Sara has appeared on multiple radio shows/podcasts, the W Network, Breakfast Television and CP24. For almost 5 years, she worked as the National Spokesperson for a well-known digestive wellness brand, educating across the globe on gut health. Dr. Sara has been named a rising star in Canada receiving the Generation Next award for her outstanding contribution to shaping the future of Canada’s grocery industry. She frequently contributes to large publications and has been published in Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Sweat Equity, Grocery Business, Inside Fitness, Canadian Living, Elevate, HELLO, and ELLE Canada.
Dr. Sara’s approach to healthcare is not as easy as taking a pill. The “quick-fix” approach is not one she subscribes to. While there’s a pill for just about everything, rarely do prescription drugs stop the course of disease - they merely mask symptoms. Dr. Sara believes true health requires a commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
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