Increase Energy & Lose Weight This Summer

Did you know there is a simple way to increase your energy for all of those fun summer activities? The path to a shrinking waistline and more energy is paved with whole foods.

Did you know refined, white flour is considered a high glycemic food? The enzymes in our saliva (amylase) convert the flour (starch) into glucose (sugar.)  Because the bran and many other nutrients are removed, there is nothing to slow down the absorption rate. As you may know, ‘sugars’ cause blood sugar imbalance, with symptoms such as fatigue, depression, mood swings, a lack of energy and brain fog, to name just a few.
   
White flour has as many as 40 nutrients removed from the whole wheat kernel and usually only about 12 are replaced; therefore, the word ‘enriched’ is relatively meaningless. One of the reasons we experience cravings for sweets or starch after eating white flour is due to the lack of B vitamins and chromium.

In addition, the gluten content of wheat itself has risen – it is six times higher than it was in 1940. Gluten is a common allergen for many people. Gluten flattens the villi of the bowel causing many bowel-related health problems. Detrimental effects of eating white flour occur so insidiously over time that most people overlook the cause.

This summer, make the most of the sunny days by eliminating white flours and avoiding processed foods. Instead, learn to bake with whole grain flours other than wheat such as spelt, kamut, rye, millet, buckwheat and brown rice for gluten free products. Better yet, use whole grains themselves and eliminate white flour completely!  This lifestyle change can help you lose weight, not to mention your body will love you for it.

I know what you must be thinking:  but how can we have a picnic without buns, wraps, pizza, and all of those other flour products that are so good and easy to use?  My favorite replacement is Ezekiel bread, buns, wraps and English Muffins. These products are made with organic sprouted grains and beans, with no added sweeteners, preservatives or any additives.  A plus is the combination of the beans and the grains, which provide us with the perfect balance of amino acids (protein.)

To make quick dipping chips, bake or toast the Ezekiel wraps for a few minutes to crisp them up, then break into pieces. Try serving with Tzatziki sauce for a cool refreshing treat.

Make a batch of Quinoa Spoon Bread to have for breakfast or to take along to pot lucks and barbeques. You’ll be the hit of the party when they find out there is no flour, the ingredients are healthy and it tastes great.