Sprouted Grains and Biggest Loser Review

I've been hearing a lot lately about sprouted grains and have been curious about their nutritional value for some time now. The other day I spotted an article in the LA Times, which claimed that although sprouted grain breads are much better than white bread, they may not be any more nutritious than other whole-grain bread varieties (link).

Here Are Some Highlights

Whole-wheat (whole grain wheat) bread is made by grinding wheat kernels -- comprised of a vitamin-rich germ, a protein- and carbohydrate-dense endosperm and an outer shell called the bran -- into whole-wheat flour.

Sprouted-grain breads are made from wheat kernels (often called wheat berries) that are allowed to sprout and then ground up and baked into bread. Because the kernels are not ground into flour, such breads are often referred to as "flourless." (Sprouted-grain breads do, however, contain gluten -- so they are no easier to metabolize for people who are unable to digest this wheat protein.)

Sprouted-grain breads made from an array of grains and legumes can provide a complete set of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins (Good for vegetarians/vegans).

Sprouting also causes some trace minerals, such as zinc, to be "freed up," or released, from the bran of the wheat kernel.

Sprouted-grain products have distinct nutritional advantages over white breads, but when compared to other whole-grain breads, they're usually nutritionally comparable -- although nutrient contents can vary, depending on the sprouts included. On the whole, the types and amounts of nutrients -- such as calcium, iron, niacin and fiber -- in sprouted-grain breads are often comparable to what's found in whole-grain breads.

Other Benefits Besides Nutrients

On the other hand, resources such as "Food For Life", who manufactures and sells sprouted grain products, make plenty of claims that sprouted grains are better for reasons such as; more easily digested protein and grain, and sprouting neutralizes phytic acid (phytic acid decreased the absorption of many important minerals).

Bottom Line: You may prefer the nuttier flavor of the sprouted grain breads/products, or you may find that your body does react to these grains in a more positive way, but unless you are a vegetarian or vegan they may not be providing any more benefits than regular whole grain breads/products. This is important to keep in mind since these products are often much more expensive than non-sprouted varieties of whole grains.

Question: Do you eat sprouted breads/grains? Why do you eat them?

Recent Lunches

Hodge Podge: Cooked vegetables, turkey burger, cottage cheese, laughing cow, dollop of salsa

Question: What's your favorite Hodge Podge of foods for lunch?

Here is some hodge podge scooped on some Love Force gluten free, vegan, sunflower bread!

Leftovers! Spaghetti squash, pasta sauce, POM lean ground beef sauteed mushrooms, garlic.

Biggest Loser Nutrition Review

Dislikes
I didn't like how all the temptations were sweets. Why no salty food? I know this is sort of a petty complaint, but come on, who isn't tempted by a handful of fries or greasy chips?!

The exercise tip Jillian gave, which I couldn't figure out the name of (Dead Lifts??), seemed like it could easily get someone hurt if they did not know what they were doing. Think about all the back problems that could result from that...yikes.

I found it interesting that Jillian has a good friend who is suffering, or who suffered, from cancer and now Jillian is a huge cancer advocate. That's fine, good for her, but sponsoring and selling a detox product may not be so great for cancer prevention Jillian. I'm pretty sure cancer prevention, and even treatment, is all about natural and holistic diets and remedies.

I didn't like how Moh said the "show" saved his life. That gives off the wrong message because then people will think they can't do it on their own. I'm just thinking about the people who are truly obsessed with the show and want to be on it SO bad. They will assume they can't do it on their own. Anyone else agree?

Likes
Apparently I really like Bob, because my first two "likes" refer to him. I loved his exercise advice regarding push-ups. He said if you can't do the "real" push-ups, to them against the wall or even go lower and use a chair. I do that :) He added to his advice by saying you should do some at each commercial break. Awesome idea!

Bob said he hated it when people complain when they lose weight (like Rudy, who lost 8 pounds). Obviously he was complaining because he was used to seeing a bigger number, but come on, 8 pounds is 8 pounds! That's awesome. When you complain about losing 8 pounds how does that make others feel who only lose 3 or 4? I go through this same issue where I work. People lose 3 pounds in a week and get pissed because it wasn't the 8 pounds they lost the week before. Come on people! Anything is better than 0, or gaining!

It made me happy to see Moh giving kids nutrition advice at the end. Good for him.

Question: Would you like to add anything to my like and dislikes? Comments? Other opinions?

Today is Thursday and I am going to be busy busy busy. For starters, I need to start packing for Colorado (I don't have much time to pack tomorrow and I'm leaving Saturday!). After a bit of packing I have to go to work on some weight management handouts, then tonight is our monthly Columbus Dietetic Association meeting! Today's topic is "body assessments" and we get to see a Bod Pod and Under-Water Weighing!

Have a great day, and thanks for reading :)