Slow Changes: Step 7

Our series of baby steps toward optimal health started with three healing pillars: bone broth, probiotics and bitters. We followed those with the pillar of hydration. Now, we complete the three macro-nutrient pillars of fats, proteins and carbohydrates with a discussion of the need for more unrefined complex carbs.

Carbohydrates play these important roles in the body:

• To fuel the brain
• To provide quick energy
• To feed the probiotics  that manufacture vitamins for the body
• To sweep and cleanse the intestinal tract
• To boost the immune system (primarily through anti-oxidants and phytonutrients

The problem of nutrition in America is that we are over-provided with simple, refined, processed carbs and under-provided with the colorful, fibrous sources the fill essential roles just mentioned. 

Did someone say eat a rainbow?

The challenge to our readers this month is to add more complex carbohydrates: whole fruits and vegetables (not juices), raw nuts and seeds, and complete legumes and grains. Food Pillars' belief is that as we nourish ourselves with carbs that are close to nature, we won't have room for the pale, empty sources that are so detrimental to the immune system, blood sugar balance, digestive health and mineral sufficiency. 

Think colors! To get you started:

*Google "plantain tortillas." There are several variations, all using plantains, eggs and coconut oil.

**Sesame Crackers
1 c. raw sunflower seeds
1 c. sesame seeds
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. seasonings of choice (garlic with chili & paprika; parsley with rosemary & thyme; or cinnamon with nutmeg and cardamom)
1/4 c. water

Blend the sunflower seeds into a fine flour. Add remaining ingredients, adjusting water to make a pliable dough. Roll to 1/4" thick between two pieces of parchment. Cut into 2" squares with a pizza cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until edges begin to brown. Turn off oven and leave tray of crackers in the oven with the door ajar another 10-15 minutes to finish crisping.

***Cereal Alternatives