Sometimes, friends and customers tell me that they try to eat less bread, or were told to reduce how much bread they eat. This makes me very sad. How can something this tasty be bad for you?
Of course, some people have health conditions that require them to adjust their diet. But for most of us, bread isn’t the enemy. Why do we get this feeling of guilt when we indulge on “too” much bread?
So much dietary advice tells us to watch our carbs and as a result starchy foods such as bread are considered bad for us. But, there is more to this story.
Bread is a staple food of the Mediterranean Diet!
Why follow the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is considered one of the healthiest diets to follow. Research has shown that it reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and overall improves mental and physical health. The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based whole foods and healthy fats. This means lots of whole grains (bread), vegetables (ideally in season), legumes (beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, oily fish, and olive oil (for healthy oils).
Bread and the Mediterranean Diet
Many Mediterranean dishes traditionally come with bread, to soak up juices of a bean stew or soup or to be eaten with a fresh salad. This makes bread a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Of course, not any bread will do to fit this diet. Choose bread that is whole grain or has a significant part of whole grain flour. Even better, choose whole grain bread with seeds or nuts. Dunk it in olive oil, make an avocado toast, or eat it with a salad and you are on track with the Mediterranean Diet.
It is easy!
There are lots of tasty dishes. I just discovered a new cookbook, Bread and how to eat it by Rick Easton, focused on recipes with or for bread. Many recipes are inspired by the author’s travels to Italy. I have tried a handful of recipes and all have been light, very tasty and satisfying.
I eat bread with most of my meals. If I am hungry between meals, I have a slice of bread with butter. I feel sad when I realize that I prepared a meal that doesn’t go with it. I enjoy bread for the sake of bread, not what I put on it or eat with it. Although, what I eat with it is important too.
If you are looking for new summer recipe ideas, try some Mediterranean diet inspired dishes with wholesome bread. Great for a sunny weekend lunch on your patio or balcony.
And if you are looking for a nice hearty bread, try my Sunflower Bread. 100% whole grain plus healthy oils from lots of sunflower seeds.