Weekly Newsletter: Exactly and Sprouted Grains.

There have been times I have questioned this. Wondering why things happened the way they did, why things are going the way they are. In reality, our path has already been set before us. Call it destiny or a religion, but I believe we all are exactly where we are suppose to be. If your current situation is not what you had hoped, is stressful or just not 'right', take it as a learning opportunity. Embrace it. Say "Ok. I'm being taught something. Let the pieces fall and I will learn."  You will come out stronger than you were before. What we think becomes what is.  Have faith, embrace life's challenges and know, you are exactly where you're supposed to be!

Health Tip of the Week: Sprouted Grains.

Have you ever tried Sprouted Grains? I've recently tried Ezekiel Sprouted Grain bread and it's simply delicious. 

Here's some information I found from Food for Life to share with you.

Sprouted grain bread is a healthy alternative to white flour or whole grain flour bread. Sprouted grain breads are becoming popular among health conscious people and those with mild sensitivities to wheat or gluten because of the health benefits when compared to white flour. Although, someone with moderate to severe gluten intolerance, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and allergies should not consume any type of product containing gluten. Even sprouted grains still naturally contain gluten. Sprouted grain bread is better not only because it uses the whole grain, but the process sprouted grains go through actually breaks down the proteins and carbohydrates in the grain, increasing vitamin content to the consumer.

The sprouted grain process involves soaking the grains in water until they begin to grow a sprout. The growing environment is highly controlled, including the water temp, air temp, and the time grains are allowed to sprout. Once the grains sprout, they are drained and mixed together to be ground up and used. Before the sprouted grain is used, it is a living food. Enzymes are released during the sprouting process, which break down proteins and carbohydrates. This process helps make sprouted grain food low glycemic and easier to digest. Traditional grain breads are harder to digest, and the body loses a good portion of the nutrients because it is unable to digest them. Sprouted grain breads provide the body with grain that has already been broken down due to the enzymes that exist in the living sprouted grain. Nutrients are absorbed immediately into the body, and are not lost in the digestive process.

Pretty amazing facts! Knowing that my body is digesting these nutrients, fueling and nourishing me with whole grains and not process flours is comforting. 

Children eat a lot of their daily calories from snacks and in between meals. It's important that they are rich in protein and are nutrient dense. Some examples may be veggies and hummus, plain yogurt topped with fruit or try sprouted grain bread toasted with nut butter and topped with banana. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Please share some of your nutritious snacks with me.

Much love,

Alyssa 

Ox