Lets face it, bread is a big topic when we talk about nourishing ourselves and our children. My food philosophy, in a nutshell, is eating food from its source, the way nature intended it to be. When we de-nature our food it causes problems both short and long-term such as degenerative diseases.
Yes, it is our responsibility as parents and individuals to set the code in our children’s DNA and establish a foundation of vibrant health and longevity. I am convinced that if we, as parents, understood the power we possess in influencing our children’ s health, we would take a stronger stand. I am here to support you in taking a stand for the future of health care in America and being at choice for our own nourishment.
Today I would like to breech the topic of bread. Four is a highly processed, denatured product which, in my humble opinion, takes energy away from you as opposed to adding value to your health. Breads that give energy are sprouted breads. These are ancient recipes used for centuries by cultures all over the globe and are highly nutritious.
When I make a sandwich or a wrap for my daughter, I always use sprouted bread. Easy to find in the freezer section of most grocery stores is the brand Ezekiel. This bread by the loaf comes in a variety of flavors from sesame to cinnamon raisin. It is delicious and is a far better choice than whole wheat.
Health is like peeling away layer of an onion. When I began my journey, whole wheat was one layer peeled away. As I get closer to the core, I learned and resonated with choices which are even better for my family’s health.
Step–by–step we move closer to where we want to be, at choice.
These sprouted breads come from the Essenes with a tradition dating back 2,000 years. The Essenes were a Jewish sect who flourished around the time of Christ. They lived an ascetic lifestyle and practiced vegetarianism. Their staple food was bread made from sprouted whole grains or berry roots, which were finely ground, mixed with water, and cooked at low temperatures in order to preserve the vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
The nutritional content of Essene bread provides many benefits as it is made from sprouting, or germinating, grains such as wheat, rye, spelt and buckwheat. Once finely ground, the grains are mixed with water and cooked at temperatures between 45 and 60 degrees C for 10 to 12 hours. Due to this process, Essene bread has been called a “living loaf” because the grains are partially raw and the enzymes are left in-tact. These plant enzymes are beneficial for properly digesting the fibrous material, seeds and nuts in the intestines, which extracts out more nutritional content. The process of sprouting also neutralizes phytic acid, a substance present in grains that inhibits absorption of nutrients.
Sprouted grain breads are an excellent source of high-fiber whole grains. Like other whole grain breads, Essene breads are rich in antioxidants and nutrients, including calcium, iron and niacin. Sprouted breads may have slightly higher levels of some minerals and nutrients, including zinc, than traditional whole grain breads.
I love that these sprouted breads contain a high amount of protein. Sprouted breads containing a mixture of both grains and sprouted legumes are a source of high quality protein with a complete balance of amino acids.
Ezekiel breads have a distinct flavor and texture. These hearty and earthy breads are heavy and filling, with a dark, rich color. The sprouted grains and legumes produce a strongly flavored loaf. Sprouted breads have a short shelf life, and are typically kept frozen or refrigerated. I like to serve at room temperature with nut butter and honey, or warm gently in the oven or toaster to bring out the nutty flavor in this healthy bread and top with coconut butter.
Essence breads are a great option if you are currently in a weight loss program or you are simply looking to watch your diet. Packed full of fiber and protein, this is a satiating bread and has enhanced digestion because of the sprouted nature of the grains and legumes.
These sprouted breads are flour–less. Flour is addictive and not the best fuel for developing brains and systems internally. Feeing your family sprouted grain bread is an excellent shift. You can now find english muffins, bagels, tortillas, etc.
Another divine bread that is always a hit with children is Manna bread. This is really delicious and satisfying on multiple levels. You can also find this manna bread in the freezer section at your health food store. Flavors include: Banana Walnut, Hemp, Carrot Raisin, Cinnamon Date, Fig Fennel Flax, Fruit & Nut, Millet Rice, Multigrain, Sunseed, and Whole Rye. Plenty of choice here.
All the calories are 100% nutrient dense, they contain healthy fats, some varieties including omega-3 fatty acids, a good amount of fiber and no added sugars of any kind. Manna Bread: Fruit & Nut
When you choose sprouted bread you benefit from:
- Excellent ingredients
- Organic ingredients
- Nutritional benefits of real, whole grains
- High nutritional value
- Delicious taste
- Vegan & vegetarian friendly
- Preservative-free
- Fairly priced
- Satiation
- Reduction in allergic reactions (In highly cooked form, wheat can cause mucus congestion, allergic reactions and constipation in some people. However, within sprouted wheat, the starch is mainly converted to simple sugars, which often allow wheat intolerant people to eat Essene bread with far fewer problems. According to “Nutritional Sciences,” sprouted grains also break down the lectins that some people are sensitive or allergic to.)
If you are not already using sprouted grain breads or if you cannot find them near you, please search and ask for them to become available. In Germany and Switzerland we ate black bread and it is more easily accessible. This is a different process than the Essence breads but also a step in a more beneficial direction.
If your children protest, gently persist with lightness and joy. You are responsible for their health and bread seems to be a central point in our children’s lives. Children need fuel to burn and this is high octane. Let me know how your children love to eat Essence breads on Facebook.