There’s something very special about bread: it just makes us happy with its good taste. And that’s probably the reason why you’ll find this scrumptious and satisfying staple in practically every home.

Let’s face it, there’s not much that can take its place. It’s delicious, nutritious and very versatile. Bread is simply a smart choice, and it makes good sense. It’s a nutritional superstar and, as part of healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, it can be part of everyday meals. Eating a variety of healthy foods that includes protein, plenty of vegetables and fruits, and whole grain goods like bread is the best way to get all the nutrients that you and your family need daily.

Now, with the emphasis on healthy living, we’re more health-conscious than ever and becoming more aware of what we’re eating. We’re looking for natural, nutritious, and wholesome products. And we won’t sacrifice flavour and good taste, either. And that includes bread. For the best choice, here’s what to consider when you’re picking up a fresh loaf.

Choose whole grain bread

Look for organic whole grains that are carefully stone-milled into pure whole grain flour. Choose bread made with a variety of grains like wheat, rye, oats and barley, for essential nutrients – carbs, protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals – that your body needs to function. Tip: Always read the nutrition label to make sure that you’re nourishing your body with nothing-to-hide ingredients, and not undermining healthy eating.

Don’t believe the myths

Some people think that carbs are responsible for a plethora of dietary ills, especially weight gain. It’s just not true. Every cell in your body needs the energy that carbs provide to function. But be sure to choose whole grains, which have more fibre than refined grains, which can satisfy your hunger, helping with digestion, and keep cholesterol levels low. In fact, whole grains can cut the risk of certain diseases, including cancer and diabetes. They help fuel vital organs like your brain, heart muscles and kidneys too.

Go for quality

Take a pass on processed bread that’s made with GMOs and refined flour, and loaded with sugar and sodium. Look for bread that’s free of trans fats, made with natural ingredients, and without unnecessary additives, like artificial flavours or colours, preservatives, soy or dairy. Take Stonemill Bakehouse’s Sourdough Multigrain Rye bread, for instance. It’s made with Canadian-grown rye, non-GMO, and packed with nutritious sunflower, millet and golden flax seeds for extra flavour and texture (and has naturally occurring zinc).

Boost your immune health

Recently, a lot of focus has been on our microbiome, microbes in our gut that support our immune system. And one way to support our microbiome is to increase our fibre intake, so look for whole grain bread, which packs fibre into every bite.

Great bread takes time

Many bakeries use additives to speed up the fermentation process for bread, but that affects the flavour and texture. You can’t really rush great bread, however, as there is a huge flavour benefit to slowing down. You can taste the difference with slow-crafted bread, which is allowed enough time to ferment properly, and it’s baked in small batches – only when its ready.

Savour the flavour

Stonemill Bakehouse’s Sourdough Multigrain Rye bread is traditionally prepared with a unique sourdough starter that’s flown in from Germany every month. The dough is naturally fermented for up to 12 hours, which allows the flavour to develop over time, creating great-tasting bread with the unique and irresistible sourdough flavour.

Baked Apple French Toast

 

Meet Joy McCarthy, who is all about good food and good health. She’s the author of the bestselling book, Joyous Health: Eat & Live Well Without Dieting, and the founder of the popular healthy living blog JoyousHealth.com, who likes to think outside the box.

That’s exactly what she did when she created a delicious Baked Apple French Toast exclusively for our readers. The best part? This unique take on traditional French toast means you can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch or even dessert. And it’s easy, too. Simply add all the ingredients to a baking dish, then pop it in the oven for a delicious no-fuss dish. Watch the video, then recreate it in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

☐ 1 loaf Stonemill Sourdough Multigrain Rye, cut or torn into ½ inch pieces

☐ 4-5 apples, chopped

☐ 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

☐  ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

☐ 2 tsp ground cinnamon

☐ ½ tsp ground nutmeg

☐ 2 cups non-dairy milk

☐ 1 tsp vanilla extract

☐ 8 large eggs, whisked

☐ 3-4 tbsp maple syrup

☐ ½ cup oats

☐ 3 tbsp coconut sugar

☐ 1 can of coconut whipping cream (optional)

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F

2. Arrange bread pieces evenly in a large baking dish. Top with apples, walnuts and cranberries. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Meanwhile, combine milk, vanilla and eggs in a separate bowl. Pour mixture over top of the ingredients in the baking dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with oats and coconut sugar. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.

4. Remove from oven and let cool. Spoon into dish and top with coconut whipping cream (if using).

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