Day 123- Nutrition Bite

Barley is a wonderfully versatile cereal grain with a rich nutlike flavor and an appealing chewy, pasta-like consistency. Its appearance resembles wheat berries, although it is slightly lighter in color. Sprouted barley is naturally high in maltose, a sugar that serves as the basis for both malt and syrup sweetener. Barley is high in fiber and selenium which will help lower cholesterol and will give your intestines a boost. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=127

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I decided to take barley on my backpacking trip in the Tetons and cooked barley soup with carrots, onions, corn, and spices. The soup tasted good especially after hiking 9 miles into the Alaskan Basin. I also experimented with the dehydrated spaghetti sauce (see backpacking foods for more details), and it worked like a charm.

Day 122- Nutrition Bite

Amaranth has high nutritional value and an ability to thrive in during droughts and in poor soil. Amaranth is high in protein and calcium and is helpful for those with elevated nutritional needs such as women, infants, children, and heavy laborers. Amaranth is high in lysine and amino acid. If combined with a low-lysine grain, you will receive a high amino-acid/protein profile--an even higher profile than meats.

Sugar Preacher's Experience

I don't believe I've tried amaranth. However, I remember being introduced to this grain at a workshop. The speaker said he cooks a pan a week and stores it in the refrigerator. He then sneaks amaranth into his children's meals. Well, I am definitely going to add more amaranth to my diet especially after learning the nutritional value.

Day 121- Nutrition Bite

"After wheat, rice is used more extensively in human nutrition than any other grain. Brown rice, like whole wheat, contains a plethora of nutrients, including magnesium that are all lost during milling into white rice... Brown rice consumption has positive effect on blood-sugar elevation and therefore, on diabetes. In addition to reducing blood sugar levels, rice bran is thought to be one of the most nutrient dense substances ever studied. It embodies over 70 antioxidants that can protect against cellular damage and preserve youthfulness."

-Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Sugar Preacher's Experience

Brown rice has been one of my favorite grains since childhood. I remember my Grandma cooking brown rice and lecturing us about the disadvantages of eating white rice. After reading about brown rice, I have earned more respect for my Grandma who is 92 years old. Brown rice has a better taste than white rice--another reason to eat it!!

Day 87- Nutrition Bite

Most breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar, and the majority of the cereal grains are refined. Refining is a process that strips away many of the nutrients such as the bran and germ layers. These layers are the main part of healthy fiber and are generally removed leaving only the bulk endosperm. Processing grains can cause 66 per cent loss of fiber, 92 per cent loss of selenium, 62 per cent loss of folate, and up to 99.8 per cent of phytochemicals from the grains. If stripped micronutrients are not added back to the products, breakfast would be no better than a glorified dessert made from simple sugar, fat, salt and bulk. Whole grains, in contrast, retain all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For more breakfast information visit this site http://www.shapefit.com/benefits-nutritious-breakfast.html

Sugar Preacher's Experience.
When I was a sugar cereal junkie, I refilled my bowl several times in order to feel satisfied. On the other hand, I can eat one half cup of oatmeal and feel satisfied for hours. I especially like the steel cut oats, which are whole oat groats that have been hulled, steamed, roasted, and chopped into smaller pieces. Some people believe they are more healthy than the traditional oats because they are less processed. Nevertheless, steel cut oats or regular oats are a great way to begin your day!

Day 7-Nutritional Bite

Dieters can lose belly fat when they substitute refined grains for whole grains. Refined grains are considered white bread, plain bagels, white rice, etc... Whole grain products are whole wheat bread, spelt, amaranth, barley, brown rice, etc... Substitute bad grains for the good grains and feed yourself to a flatter stomach!

Sugar Preacher's Experience
I can testify to eating good grains and losing belly fat. I have been on the non-refined sugar diet for a week and have lost three pounds. Also, I no longer have love handles and feel great! It doesn't take long to lean down when you are eating healthy foods. Give it a try!