The Healthiest Bread Choices

We get a lot of questions about bread here at GOLO. Many people assume that bread is off limits when trying to lose weight but with GOLO, that is simply not the case. As long as you choose the right kind and eat it in the correct serving size along with a complete, balanced meal, bread can be part of your life even while losing weight!

When looking for a good, healthy bread, you really want to focus on the ingredients. It does not take a lot of ingredients to make bread, but most store-bought breads have laundry lists of unnecessary ingredients and added sugar.

One of the ingredients you want to avoid is dough conditioners. They are completely unnecessary and are only used to make the process faster for companies to make bread in big machinery. Many of these conditioners contain azodicarbonamide (which is an ingredient that is banned all over the world, but not in the US), monoglycerides, diglycerides, and sodium stearoyl lactylate.

Another item to avoid is preservatives. Bread is supposed to be eaten fresh and within a few days of baking, unless you freeze it. Most store-brought breads contain preservatives, such as calcium propionate, in order to extend the shelf life. Breads that GOLO suggests don't contain many (if any) preservatives so start thinking about storing your bread in the freezer instead of on the counter to keep it fresh longer.

Most store-bought breads contain items like soy lecithin, soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, corn starch or soy flour most of which are genetically modified. The pesticides that are sprayed on these crops can cause health problems and are considered by some to be unhealthy. They are also considered highly processed ingredients that we don't suggest consuming. Try to stay away from breads with these ingredients too.

Added sugar is where they try to trick you. Most store-bought breads use high fructose corn syrup, sugar, or other artificial sweetener like sucralose. Many also throw in several other ingredients that you might not recognize immediately as sugar. Some examples of these items are dextrose, fructose, maltodextrin, agave, brown rice syrup, blackstrap molasses, and evaporated cane syrup. Also, don’t fall for breads labeled “light”, “low sugar” or “low calorie” because they often contain even more artificial sugar.

When deciding on a healthy bread to fit into your GOLO lifestyle, you have a few choices that we have listed below. There may be other packaged breads out there that will fit into your GOLO plan as well, but these are the ones that are easiest to find nationally. When shopping, make sure to check the label for added ingredients and sugars. Remember that sprouted grains are always best and if you can buy organic that is even better.

Fresh Baked – this is always the best choice. You can make it at home or purchase from a local bakery or from the bakery dept. at your local grocer. The idea of making bread at home may seem daunting but we have a great recipes for homemade sourdough bread. 

These types of breads have little to no preservatives, so it is best to store   them in the freezer. As long as it is already sliced, it should come apart easily so you can take out one piece at a time. 

Packaged Breads – although not quite as good for you as fresh baked, we realize that buying it this way is easier. Listed below are the store-bought breads that we recommend:

• Food for Life - This brand has a lot of choices, and they all have decent ingredients. You won’t find it in the bread aisle though; it is found in the frozen section. You will want to store it in the freezer at home too and just take out once slice at a time. 
• Ezekiel (all varieties)
• Sprouted Grain (all varieties)
• Genesis (all varieties)

Food for Life - STORE LOCATOR: [click here to visit the Food for Life website]

• Dave’s Killer Bread – Dave’s has a lot of choices also, but the only one that is GOLO approved is listed below. Please note that their other breads are better than most but do contain some ingredients that aren’t recommended all the time.
• Good Seed – Thin Sliced

Dave's - STORE LOCATOR: [click here to visit the Dave's Killer Bread website] 

• Simply Nature (Aldi store brand) – this one is decent but does have a longer list of ingredients and is a bit more processed than some of the others on this list. But you can use this bread if you choose.
• Knock your Sprouts Off

Aldi - STORE LOCATOR: [click here to visit the Aldi website] 

• Food for Life – This brand has two lines of Gluten Free breads. The one we suggest is the Sprouted for Life Gluten Free and not the plain Gluten Free. This one has the best ingredients. You won’t find it in the bread aisle though; it is found in the frozen section. You will want to store it in the freezer at home too and just take out once slice at a time. Listed below are the ones we suggest.  
• Sprouted for Life – Gluten Free Almond Bread
• Sprouted for Life – Gluten Free Original 3 Seed
• Sprouted for Life – Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin
• Sprouted for Life – Gluten Free Flax

Food for Life - STORE LOCATOR: [click here] 

• Happy Campers – This brand is entirely gluten free and organic. They have a few other options, but the ones below are the best choices.
• Classy Slice
• Hemp Hemp Hooray

Happy Campers - STORE LOCATOR: [click here]

GOLO® is committed to providing you with the helpful tips and resources needed for personal success on a lifelong journey of health and wellness. It’s time to become #YourBestYou.

References:

Ding, Sara. “Common Breads Are Made with Chemicals Found in Yoga Mats! Eat These Instead.” Juicing for Health, 8 Feb. 2016, juicing-for-health.com/harmful-ingredients-found-in-bread. Accessed 19 Jan. 2022.

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