Is Bread Healthy?

If you’ve been reading or following me for a while, you already know: it depends.

Some people know that I’m a nutrition coach who doesn’t eat gluten, and assume I think that bread is unhealthy.

I do not think bread is unhealthy.

I do not think bread is healthy.

This is not a Dr. Seuss poem.

I’ll explain.

1. The Big Picture 🖼️

2. Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

3. Don’t Play Judge 👩🏻‍⚖️

4. Possible Action Steps 🎯

5. Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

The Big Picture 🖼️

I do not think anything about bread, or any other food, out of context.

Not even Snickers bars or ice cream.

A Ben & Jerry’s triple-scoop + Snickers bar sandwich on Pepperidge Farm white bread would have been very healthy for Victor Frankl at the right time.

But even here today, in the modern world where we are not imprisoned and suffering, food is just food.

How often and to what degree do we consume it, plus how it interact with our bodies and all of the other things we eat and do, that’s the only thing that matters.

Most likely, if you’re having a little bread here & there, it’s perfectly healthy.

Even if it doesn’t have the best ingredients.

Even though I stress the importance of quality ingredients …

… the most important thing is what you can stick to.

If that means a diet with some bread that keeps you in balance, then that diet is healthy for you.

Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

Today’s topic, as simply as possible:

“Food is just food; it’s what you do with it that can be good or bad.”

Don’t Play Judge 👩🏻‍⚖️

You’re probably not an actual Judge. If you are an actual Judge and you are reading this, apologies, Your Honor.

Otherwise, it’s best not to think about Guilty/Not Guilty, Healthy/Unhealthy, Black/White, etc.

This is why … we live in a world of gray areas.

When we try to live in only black or white for too long, it becomes difficult.

Possible Action Steps 🎯

Bread doesn’t agree with me, that’s why I don’t eat it.

If you’re not sure whether or not bread (or gluten) works well for you, the only real way to know is to take them out, usually for a while, like 30 days, and that requires a longer conversation.

You should email me if you’re considering that.

Otherwise, you could simply assess whether or not more or less bread is helping you lose, maintain, or gain weight, depending on your goals.

You should email me if you’re not sure exactly how to do that.

Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

A simple word, phrase, or thought to take with you:

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Coach Matt

P.S. New reward available if you refer this newsletter: