Many people believe that dieting means giving up the foods that you love, and they do just that, but this will lead to you craving those foods sooner or later. No single food is going to make you lose or gain weight; the portion size is what counts. The dietary focus should be on nourishing your body with good food and enjoying everything in moderation!
In the United Kingdom, the diet industry is estimated to be worth two billion pounds a year, with two-thirds of the population being on a diet. This underlines the fact that a lot of people are cutting out foods they like, such as bread. It is a common perception that bread is bad for your diet, but as the BBC explains that is not the case.
However, there are so many fad diets and the like on the market today that have got their strategy wrong; losing weight doesn’t mean losing bread, or other foods you like, from your diet. You have to remember no two individuals are the same, and therefore no single diet can work for everyone; WeightWatchers explain how the best weight loss plans are personalised for the individual. That means making sure that it works for you and that you can see yourself eating some of the foods you like if complimented with the right exercise and a wider diet. For many, that includes great bread!
If eaten in moderation, Healthline reveals healthier bread options can be part of a varied and effective diet. We will now explain in more depth what each of these breads are.
Wholewheat Bread
Wholewheat bread is made from 100% wheat flour which is the whole wheat kernel ground down to make fine flour that contains nearly the same vitamins and proportions as the original grain. It is a lot less refined than white bread but contains more fibre which is an important ingredient in any diet as it benefits digestion and reduces the risk of chronic disease. A wholewheat loaf or cob can sometimes be coated with seeds or nuts and makes a tasty addition to any meal. Wholewheat flatbreads and soda bread are also yeast-free options.
Sprouted Whole Grain Bread
Sprouted grain bread is not so widely known but is a healthy alternative to white bread. The process of cultivating the grains involves soaking them in water in a controlled environment until they sprout; During this time the enzymes break down proteins and carbohydrates, which increase the vitamin content. Some varieties are gluten-free, which is very good news if you are gluten intolerant; these include almonds, cinnamon and raisin, and organic 3 seed varieties.
Oatbread
Oatbread was first manufactured in Britain in 1899. It is rich in vitamins and fibre, which makes it an excellent choice to have as part of a calorie-controlled diet. A healthy way of making oatbread is to just use oat flour, baking powder, and plain whole milk yoghurt. It is a tasty and filling bread and makes a delicious sandwich with any low-calorie filling such as salmon and low-fat cheese spread or lean ham and tomato filling.
So just to conclude, you can see how losing weight does not mean that you must lose bread from your diet. There are plenty of healthy options with low calorific values and the right vitamins that will form part of a good weight loss plan.
For more great articles on bread, not only as a foodstuff but as a vehicle for social change, pay regular visits to our programs page here at Bread Houses Network.
