Bread is Back!

When it comes to low-carb living, I’ve learned to practice moderation instead of deprivation. At home, bread is scarce, but if I’m out at dinner or for special occasions, I let the carbs flow freely. Along with allotting a time and a place for bread, I’ve also begun to choose my bread more wisely. All bread isn’t created equal, and in today’s health-conscious climate, it’s easy to hop online and find a bread that fits your needs. Before venturing into alternative breads, prepare yourself for a range of unfamiliar textures and flavors. Getting out of your comfort zone for the sake of your health is nothing but exciting! Plus, if you go in with an open mind, you’ll find yourself really digging your newfound options.

Want to keep bread in your life but want more nutritious alternatives? Try these:

1. Cauliflower: You’ve probably heard of cauliflower pizza crust by now. It’s a great option for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, or for anyone looking for a new twist on a classic. But if you just want to make bread, try this cauliflower bread. It adds the immune powerhouse of turmeric for a home run!
2. Coconut: Another grain-free option, coconut-flour bread packs a nutritional punch with high fiber, protein, and low glycemic impact. Reach for this bread when you have a craving for toast or as a filling side dish with dinner salads, soups, and stews. Try this easy recipe for your next dinner!
3. Sprouted grain: Next to sourdough, this bread is the closest to the texture of traditional bread. The process of sprouting, which involves soaking the grains until they grow sprouts, provides benefits similar to sourdough: more nutrient availability and easier digestion. Sprouted grain bread is hearty, which makes it a good choice for sandwiches.
4. Oat: In addition to being gluten free, this bread provides the cholesterol-reducing powers of oats. The texture is dense and will hold up nicely to whatever toppings you like. This recipe involves no kneading and only one rise. Like most gluten-free recipes, it calls for xanthan gum, which sounds exotic but is found in the health-food section of most grocery stores.

Which bread alternatives have you tried and loved? Share in the comments below!