Which Bread to Buy
One of the first books MY nutritionist recommended to me over 10 years ago was Life Without Bread. I did that for a while, but decided I don’t want life without bread! LOL. It is one of my Heck Yeahs. I mean, I get it. There are very few healthy bread products. Bread, in general, is nutrient-devoid but energy-dense and leads to blood sugar spikes and dips. But if you’re like me and enjoy a buttery piece of toast from time to time, then this guide to making upgraded bread choices is for you!
I’m going to assume you’ve been through Feast 2 Fast® with me and know how carbohydrates work in your body, know how to manage your carb load and know that quality is important. Overeating carbohydrates and junky ingredients will detrimentally affect your health and weight goals.
That said, if you DO want to eat bread and need some direction on what to buy or make, here are some suggestions for you. Right now I’m partial to the homemade gluten-free bread I make in the breadmaker. All details are below.
If You Are Not Gluten-Free
First, I would suggest you read Wheat Belly so you understand how modern gluten contributes to leaky gut and inflammation. But until then here are better options. You can find these at many grocery stores. (Ezekiel bread is usually found in the freezer section).
Gluten-Free Options
Also in the book Wheat Belly you will learn that just because it’s gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. It does remove some of the systemic issues due to gluten, but gluten-free breads still contain suboptimal ingredients and will spike your blood sugar as much as wheat. But, again, you can enjoy sparingly as a Heck Yeah.
Grocery Store Options
Canyon Bakehouse
Udi’s
Rudi’s
LiveGFree (Aldi’s)
Online Options
(gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, yeast-free)
(gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, dairy-free, cassava-based)
Homemade Options
I’ve been making homemade gluten-free bread in my breadmaker and my family LOVES it! It couldn’t be simpler and it’s absolutely delicious. Consider yourself warned! It’s really good. Also, you don’t have to have a breadmaker to make the recipe. I’ve made it in the oven and it turns out well too.
Here is the recipe from Mama Knows Gluten Free. It’s made with simple ingredients and is naturally dairy free. (I’ve also substituted the olive oil with 1/3 cup melted butter and that works well if dairy doesn’t bother you).
This is the flour that I use to make it. My mom (who bakes a lot) says it’s the best gluten-free blend she’s used.
*updated note: This is the best flour for the breadmaker. I’ve not had luck using other gluten-free flours and, in fact, they’ve made a big mess in the breadmaker that is not fun to clean!Here is the bread machine I use. It has a gluten free setting on it. When you use the machine the directions will be different than on the recipe. You add in the liquids first, then the dry ingredients, and the yeast last. Push a few buttons and, voila, delicious bread (it takes about 3 hours to make).
Ultimately, a HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH BREAD would be your healthiest option. One day I hope to master it but I kill starters like I kill plants so it might be a while. 🤷♀️LOL
If you want to make sourdough bread (regular or gluten-free) you can order a sourdough starter set and get directions at Cultures for Health.
Ok friend - hope you find this helpful when you’re shopping for bread! Let me know if you try the homemade recipe and how you like it. Remember, I warned you!