Bread: Is It The Enemy?
Bread has become more controversial in recent years. Long considered the enemy of weight loss, it has now been largely ostracized by those who want to live a gluten-free life. As a result, you may feel guilty every time you pick up a sandwich. If you've been getting your bread fix on the sly to avoid criticism, you can relax. Bread can be a healthy part of your daily diet.
Gluten
Gluten-free diets are really not necessary or even healthy for most people although they have been embraced by many, leading them to give up bread. Unless you have celiac disease, a condition that means you cannot tolerate gluten, giving up bread means you risk losing important vitamins and fiber that boost your daily diet. Although many who eliminate gluten claim to feel better afterward, experts say that may be due to their eliminating desserts and refined sugars from their diets instead of being related to gluten.
White Bread
White bread has been demonized for years although it remains a favorite among consumers. Eating white bread does not mean you have a terrible diet. Although white bread has few nutritional benefits, you can eat it in moderation. It has about the same number of calories as whole grain bread, 70 to 80 per slice. After eating white bread, your blood sugar may spike, causing you to crave more food after it drops again. As long as you can control these cravings, a little white bread now and then should not be a problem.
Buying Bread
When you buy bread, check the ingredients. The healthiest breads will list their first ingredient as a grain. Also, make sure that the word "whole" is in the bread's name. Otherwise, you may be getting grain but not the superior "whole grain" loaves. Also, do not assume that dark-colored bread has more fiber. Some bread makers add coloring to make you believe their product is healthier than lighter-colored bread. Aim for breads that provide you with a minimum of 3 grams of fiber per each serving.
Bread is not your enemy. Your unrestricted consumption of it is. You need to limit how much bread you eat, even it if is healthy bread. A thoughtful and balanced daily diet is often enough to keep you physically well and feeling great. If you love a good sandwich now and then, do not deny yourself. Enjoying delicious foods is part of a happy life.
For a local bakery, contact a business such as Klosterman Baking Company.
