What Brands to Buy {Bread, Pasta & Tortillas}

Yesterday you learned that carbs don’t make you fat (just ‘cuz they're carbs)

and that not all “carbs” are created equal (AND that the body NEEDS carbs to run properly!)

That’s one thing that makes me batty – all these foods are lumped into a single “carb” category…

We must also get away from lumping all carbohydrate-rich foods together as “carbs.”

All plant foods have carbs, proteins AND fats. Even among the “carby” items, there's still a spectrum.

Wheat berries vs. whole-wheat pasta vs. all-purpose flour vs. an Oreo, for example.

BUT when it comes to pasta, breads, and tortillas…

There are good choices and not-as-good choices.

There are things to look out for (and avoid) especially if you’re trying to lose weight or feel awesome.

Selecting whole grain varieties such as brown rice pasta or 100% whole-wheat bread is the first step.

But be careful with “wheat” breads – make sure it’s 100% and not white bread with a tan ;)

Next, you want to make sure you're picking brands that don't contain oil and preferably, no added sugars.

Here's a list of Meal Mentor recommended crackers and breads:

Alvarado breads

Dave's Killer Bread (contains seeds)

Edward & Sons Crackers

Engine 2 Crackers (contains seeds)

Food for Life/Ezekiel products

La Tortilla Factory 100 Calorie Tortillas

Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes (some "flavors" are not vegan)

Manischewitz Whole-Wheat Matzos

Mary's Gone Crackers (may contain seeds or nuts)

Mission Corn Tortillas

Ryvita crackers (some "flavors" contain oil — check the box)

Sandwich Petals GF tortillas

Streit's Whole-Wheat Matzos

Yehuda Matzos (Whole-Wheat Bran Matzos)

Wasa Crackers

Your local bakery (or even the bakery at a supermarket) can be a treasure trove!

I found off-brand corn tortillas (just corn, water, salt, and lime!) and oil-free pitas (just whole-wheat flour and water!) in my local Kroger, too!

Of course, you also have the option of making any recipe wholly awesome and using the whole grain or a vegetable instead.

For example, serve it over a potato or a bed of rice instead of in a tortilla. Or use spaghetti squash as a stand in for pasta.

See the gluten-free note on your meal plan shopping list for whole grain conversions and ideas.

Bottom line: You can absolutely eat pasta, tortillas, and bread and still lose weight – and FEEL YOUR BEST. (The body runs on carbs!)

The “carbohydrates” aren't the problem, it's that the more processed they are, the easier they are to overeat, and excess calories leads to weight gain or lack of loss. AAAND processed carbs tend to keep fattening company that also triggers overeating.

Take out the guess work – make consistent good choices with the meal plans.