Alternatives to Wheat and Rice . . .

 

Want a clearer picture of the rice- and wheat-alternative trend?

The Bite
Come out of the dark(room), and let this tip bring good-for-you-and-the-planet rice and wheat replacements amaranth, chia, quinoa, and spelt (once-crunchy-now-cool) into plain focus.

The Benefits

• The eco-contrast. Examples: Spelt is naturally more resistant to disease and pests than wheat, so it grows with 1/3-less nitrogen fertilizer. Amaranth is often raised without irrigation (unlike water-hogs such as corn and rice).
• Exposure to more nutrients. Fer instance, a serving of chia has about 16% of your average daily protein intake.
• Projecting fewer allergic reactions. People allergic to gluten in wheat can opt for amaranth, chia, and quinoa. (Note: Spelt does contain gluten.)
• Looking good for your glamour shots. Amaranth flour contains fewer carbs than its wheat equivalent.

 

Wanna Try?

• Amaranth – has 30% more protein than other cereals. Try: Health Valley Cereal ($9/22 ounces).
• Chia – grain with the highest proportion of heart-healthy omega-3s. Try: Ruth’s Chia Goodness ($8/12 ounces).
• Quinoa – bulgur-wheat alternative that like amaranth, has lots of protein and essential acids (keep your green cred by pronouncing it right: It’s “keen-wah”). Try: Ancient Harvest Polenta ($26/216 ounces).
• Spelt – also packs lotsa protein, making it a filling snack. Try: Vita-Spelt Sesame Sticks ($6/9.5 ounces).

 

From www.thebite.com

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