Finding 'Clean' Bread

 

 

 

I wanted to start my healthy eating out with one of the main staples in our food diets - bread! Now, I grew up on white bread and I love it. I eat tons of sandwichs using white bread. I've had wheat bread a few different times and I always hate it! To me, the flavor is so off and quite disgusting. However, white bread is not clean and whole wheat is. I really didn't think I was going to find any 'clean' whole wheat breads at my local Publix. I have heard of Ezekial bread, but they did not carry any. I thought it was going to be impossible to get a clean bread without me baking my own at this point.

 

After standing in the bread aisle, reading ingredient lists on various whole wheat breads - I struck gold!

 

Nature's Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread.

 

Now, here's some intresting facts about bread that you find on your store shelves. Almost all have soy and corn in them, which means most have GMO's. Breads that are not whole wheat use enriched flour. This is because when they process the flour for the bread, they remove the bran and germ which is where the nutrients are. Then, the manufacturers enrich the flour to add back nutrients, but your body does not process it the same.

 

Here is what to avoid in your bread

• High Fructose Corn Syrup
• Sodium
• Caramel Color - There are four types of caramel colorings. Two of four contain ammonia. Best to just avoid it all.
• Calcium Propionate - a preservative associated with stomach ulcers, behavioral changes and headaches.
• Azodicarbonamide - a bleaching agent that has been banned in Europe and Australia because it is linked to asthma and allergies.

Nature's Pride 100% Whole Wheat Bread has no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives.

 

Ingredients - Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Yeast, Sugar, Wheat Gluten, Cracked Wheat, Cultured Wheat Flour. contains 2% or Less of: Honey, Salt, Brown Sugar, Soybean Oil, Molasses, Wheat Bran, Raisin Juice Concentrate, Vinegar, Soy Flour, Whey, Soy Lecithin, Cultured Corn Solids

 

One slice contains 110 calories, 5g protein, 20g carbohydrate, 1g fat (0g saturated), and 3g fiber.

 

I had this earlier with tuna and the first bite, I will admit, just felt gross to me. I thought about scrapping all my tuna right on to a slice of white bread. But, I continued eating and about half way through the sandwich, it wasn't quite as bad anymore. I think over time I will get use to it! It is just so different than what I am use to. I would buy it again, though. In fact, I probably will next week.

 

Here are a few other 'clean' options for bread:

 

• Ezekial Bread - organic, free of GMO's and found in the grocer's freezer
• Alvarado Street  Bakery Bread - organic, free of GMO's
• Sara Lee Hearty & Delicious 12 Grain Bread - no preservatives or chemicals listed above
• Udi's Bread - gluten free
• EarthGrains 12 Grains Bread - no preservatives or chemicals listed above