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All Carbs Are Not Created Equal

All Carbs Are Not Created Equal

Due to the popularity of low-carb diets, carbohydrates are often feared and avoided. Because their role in weight management and health is misunderstood, many people drastically reduce or completely eliminate carbs. However, some experts warn that this may not be the best approach for overall wellness.

When people interested in weight loss and optimal health lump all carbohydrates together into one category, they declare war on the whole lot. But all carbs are not created equal. There are major differences between how the body handles simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates and how each impacts our weight and energy throughout the day.

Simple carbohydrates are absorbed quickly, spiking blood sugar and insulin levels. They provide a burst of energy that tends to be followed by a crash of fatigue and food cravings. According to the Cleveland Clinic, too many simple carbohydrates in one’s diet can both contribute to weight gain and also increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Examples include refined ingredients such as white flour found in breads, cakes, and pastries.

On the other hand, complex carbohydrates may play an important role in many biological functions including digestion, mood, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, hormone health, and sleep patterns. Because it takes our body longer to break down complex carbs, they keep us feeling fuller longer and provide consistent, long-lasting energy throughout the day. This helps regulate weight and keep cravings in check. Complex carbs are also beneficial to long-term health, as they may also reduce the risk of several chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Source)

Complex carbohydrates are an important part of a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Examples include oats, lentils, beans, vegetables, and sprouted whole grain products such as Ezekiel 4:9 breadsEnglish muffins, and tortillas. These foods are high in fiber and naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

The takeaway? When eating for long-term health, include the right carbs in your diet — don’t avoid them completely. The American Heart Association agrees and recommends you limit foods that are high in processed, refined simple sugars and enjoy the benefits of nutritious complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and legumes.

About Food for Life

Food For Life is a family owned company. Really. The founder’s sons managed all the day to day business and new product concepts until their grandchildren took the reins and now manage all the day to day business and new product concepts. Food For Life has been making sprouted grain breads since the mid 1960’s. Long before sprouted grains became popular which is why they have such a loyal following that includes several generations within families. From the beginning, they have meticulously chosen the ingredients they use in each product. Something they continue through today.

Their Organic Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted grain line are the most recognizable product line they produce. They are all Non Glyphosate Bio-Checked Certified, Non-GMO Certified, Certified USDA Organic and Certified Kosher.

They do everything they can to make every product as healthful and delicious as possible. From their family to yours.

Try out this vegan recipe for zucchini fries using Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread:

Ezekiel Zucchini Fries with Homemade Ranch Dressing (Vegan)

Serving Size: 3

Ingredients

Vegan Zucchini Fries:
Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread (2 slices, toasted)
Ezekiel 4:9 Original Sprouted Flake Cereal (½ cup)
3 small zucchini
Chickpea flour (½ cup)
Sea Salt (1 tsp)
Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
Almond Milk (1 cup)
Nutritional Yeast (1 ½ tsp)
Italian Seasoning (½ tsp)

Vegan Ranch:
Vegan Sour Cream (1 cup)
Parsley (1 tsp)
Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp)
Lemon Zest (1 tsp)
Black Pepper (1/4 tsp)
Fresh Dill (1 tsp)
Lemon Juice (2 tsp)
Almond Milk (½ cup) 

Directions 

Vegan Zucchini Fries:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Cut the zucchini into fry-sized pieces. Thin pieces of zucchini will produce crispier fries, thicker zucchini will create thick-cut fries.
  3. Toast two slices of Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Bread to make 1 cup of breadcrumbs.
  4. Place the toasted Ezekiel BreadEzekiel Sprouted Flake Cereal, nutritional yeast and seasonings in a food processor. Blend until ingredients turn into course crumbles. Pour into a zip-lock bag.
  5. Roll each piece of zucchini in milk and then dip into flour before placing the zucchini in the zip-lock bag with crumb mixture.
  6. Shake the bag until each piece of zucchini is covered in crumbs.
  7. Place each zucchini fry onto a non-stick cookie sheet or on parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees or until crispy. Let cool.

Vegan Ranch:

  1. Combine ingredients into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Mix well
  3. Garnish with dill (optional)
  4. Refrigerate until cool.
  5. Serve!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310957/
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/simple-carbohydrates-complex-carbohydrates#what-are-carbs
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15416-carbohydrates
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/carbohydrates
Food For Life Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Breads