Thursday

3 gluten-free non-grain carbs for a flatter stomach

We've talked extensively in this newsletter about some of the detriments of many common grains, including the inflammatory response to gluten even in people that aren't gluten intolerant, as well as potential issues with lectins, phytates, and other antinutrients.

Many people are left confused as to "what's left" to eat if you want to truly eat for a lean healthy body... well, first off, you don't necessarily need to fuel your body with carbohydrates since the body can run more efficiently and with less blood sugar spikes and dips when primarily fueled with healthy fats and proteins, while keeping carbs low-moderate.

But, most people still want to satisfy their desire for carbs and if you're active and workout hard, the right types of carbs can be very beneficial for maintaining lean muscle and keeping your metabolism amped.  So here's 3 great non-grain, gluten-free carb sources to enjoy while keeping a flat stomach:

1. - Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free seed (similar to a grain, but actually a seed) that contains double the protein of brown rice along with greater fiber content and a lower glycemic load.

Quinoa is a very good low glycemic carbohydrate source, and rich with manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, vitamin E, and several B vitamins.

Not only that, but quinoa contains complete protein and the full spectrum of amino acids while all other grains are incomplete protein. It comes in several varieties, including “oatmeal-like” flakes and it’s wholegrain rice-like form.

Enjoy it as an oatmeal substitute for breakfast, in salads or casseroles, or as a wholesome whole-grain, high protein side item to any lunch or dinner meal.  We did a full article on quinoa here.

2. - Buckwheat (yes, it's gluten-free and has nothing to do with wheat)

Buckwheat is also a seed and not a grain technically.  Buckwheat is NOT a form of wheat and contains no gluten, as long as you get 100% buckwheat products and not those which are combined wheat + buckwheat.

Buckwheat has more protein and fiber generally than most grains and a lower glycemic load in general too.  Try buckwheat pancakes!  Or better yet, make a batch of pancakes with mixed buckwheat flour, almond flour, and coconut flour for a perfectly balanced taste and balanced carb/protein/fat profile!

3. - Berries & Cherries

Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries are some of the BEST carb sources you can eat.  Unlike grains, which contain loads of digestion-harming antinutrients, there's basically no downsides to berries or cherries.  They are high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and score extremely low on the glycemic index, especially cherries which come with a GI of just 22.

They give your body reasonable doses of useful carbohydrates with much higher levels of micronutrients than grains... this is a win-win for your belly and your overall health!

I enjoy fresh berries for dessert several times a week and it's an awesome, nutritious way to finish off any meal. Great as a snack, too! Try them on top of greek yogurt... Mmm.

Even when choosing healthy sources, carbs are one of those tricky nutrients that we all need to understand how to utilize properly and at the right times.  That's why my friends Joel and Brett (expert Nutritionists) created this brand new fat-burning report, 4 Tricks to NEVER Store Carbs as Fat, and they're giving it away 100% free this week.  In this 31-page free report, they show you 4 odd, yet extremely effective strategies that you can use to increase your insulin sensitivity, lower your blood sugar, and ideally AVOID storing carbs as fat.  Some of the strategies only a take a few seconds to perform!

Grab your free copy at the link below right now while it's still being offer for free:

 4 Tricks to NEVER Store Carbs as Fat


Mike Geary
Certified Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer