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This post is brought to you in partnership with Udi’s Gluten Free.
Recently I’ve been on a food journey. My goal: to find out what is good for my body while not causing me pain. Unfortunately, over the past two years, I’ve developed an adverse reaction to gluten. While I do not suffer from Celiac Disease and can sample gluten foods from time to time, an over abundance of them results in several days of stomach pain, discomfort and headache. Not fun. But, I don’t want to give up my favorite things like bread, chips and other crunchy, grainy treats. Thankfully, there is another option: Ancient Grains and Udi’s is ready to help.
What Are Ancient Grains?
Although ancient grains like quinoa and chia seem like a new food fad because of the media, they’ve actually been helping people improve their health for centuries. Ancient grains have remained unaltered and have retained their nutritional value while other food trends have come and gone – in fact, these “heritage grains” date back to more than 8,000 years ago! There are over 15 types of whole grains. Whole grains include the entire kernel of the grain — the endosperm, germ, and bran. Each of these components provides a unique nutrient & health benefit.
Ancient grains are full of protein, antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. They have preventative properties against stroke, diabetes and heart disease. They can also help curb hunger in a healthy way since they’re great at satiating appetite while providing essential nutrients.
Bonus : Gluten Free – Many ancient grains are gluten-free! For example: Amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice & wild rice, sorghum and teff.
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MILLET
- A great choice for a healthy heart
- Contains serotonin to help level hormones and maintain a calm mood
- Naturally fights against PMS!
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CHIA
- Full of cancer-fighting antioxidants
- Contains loads of protein and fiber to keep you feeling full
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STEEL CUT OATS
- Lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels with high levels of fiber
- Contain phytochemicals that help reduce the risk of cancer
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AMARANTH
- Improves brain function and circulation
- 1 cup amaranth (26 grams protein each) = 2 cups white rice (13 grams each)
- 1 cup of uncooked amaranth has 31% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium, 14% for vitamin C, and 82% for iron
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FLAX
- Improves heart and brain health through fiber, antioxidants and Omega-3s
- 1 tablespoon flax = 4 cups of spinach
- Contains lignans to help fight against certain types of cancer
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QUINOA
- Contains riboflavin to reduce the frequency of migrains
- Aids in building muscle and maintaining healthy hair, skin and nails with amino acids
Helpful Links and Resources:
- Bonnie Taub-Dix: www.BetterThanDieting.com, @eatsmartbd
- Udi’s Gluten Free: www.UdisGlutenFree.com, @Udisglutenfree
- Hashtags: #ancientgrains and #Udis
STEEL CUT OATMEAL PUDDING BARS – Gluten Free
I love bread pudding. Unfortunately, white bread is one of the main culprits in my dietary pains. Instead of giving this tasty dessert up completely, I created a healthier, more easily digested, gluten free version using Udi’s Steel Cut Oats, almond flour and dried fruit. It’s super easy to make, packed full of nutrients and you can easily mix in other ancient grains, like chia, for even more protein and fiber.
- ½ c. unsalted butter, softened
- ½ c. coconut oil, softened
- 1 c. brown sugar (more or less, according to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1½ c. almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 c. Udi's Steel Cut Oats (flavored or plain)
- 1 - 2 c. dried fruit
- Cook oats according to direction on package
- While oats cook, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a bowl
- In a large bowl, blend the butter and coconut oil. Add sugar and whip until smooth. Add vanilla, and one egg. Beat thoroughly. Add second egg. Beat again.
- Add flour mix to egg mix. Add half at a time to avoid lumps.
- Once oatmeal is cooled, add all mixes together BY HAND.
- Add dried fruit and any other optional grains
- Spread batter over a parchment lined half sheet pan.
- Cook at 350 degrees for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until top is brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Finished pudding will be soft. Or serve hot into a bowl with nuts or other toppings.
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Giveaway ends Sept. 29th @ 11:59 pm ET and is open to US residents who are 18+ at time of entry.
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