our daily bread

…a good daily choice?

story by | cindy kloeckner

What? How can something as “nutritionally iconic” as bread be an offender to our bodies?

Well, it isn’t actually the bread itself, it’s the wheat that makes up the majority of most modern- day bread that is the problem.

The first time I was introduced to the idea that wheat was a sub-clinical allergen to our bodies was in 1999 in a fantastic book called The Schwarzbein Principle by Diana Schwarzbein,

M.D.

Dr. Diana Schwarzbein is a leading authority on metabolic healing, an endocrinologist [hormone specialist], in Santa Barbara, California, and was the founder of the Endocrinology Institute of Santa Barbara. She has decades of experience working directly with patients and through this experience developed the philosophy that 75% of us are sub-clinically wheat intolerant. What does that mean? That although a blood test doesn’t indicate a problem, when wheat is removed from the diet the health issue at hand is often resolved.

Of course this upsets the apple cart of conventional thinking. Wheat is the basis of most modern-day meals; especially today’s fast-paced, drive-through, eat-on-the-run meals.

Think fresh bread, toast, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, cereals, and crackers, just to name a few.

For me this information was very hard to swallow [pardon the pun!]. Or should I say NOT swallow. I had a love affair with bread for years. I had been a very dedicated homemaker and stay-at-home mother of two boys and I prided myself in all of our family’s food being homemade—; from the homemade pizza from scratch on Friday nights to all of our buns and bread. All made pridefully believing that my family wasn’t ingesting all the preservatives, artificial colorants, and other unpronounceable ingredients in the store-bought foods. But what I didn’t realize was that I was feeding them something that had the very real potential for seriously harming them. Of course, I didn’t know that then. Whole grains and/or 100% whole wheat products were extolled as virtuous, assumed to be hearty and nutritious, and the mainstay of the human diet for some 10,000-odd years. However, the wheat of yesteryear is not the wheat of today. Now, with more useful information, a greater depth of understanding, and health professionals writing about the consequences of eating the wheat of today, my eyes are open.

why is wheat a bad choice?

The wheat of today is not at all like the wheat our ancestors enjoyed. In the latter part of the 20th century scientists began cross-pollinating and genetically modifying wheat for purposes that included higher yields, tolerance to herbicides, resistance to disease, etc. These unnatural changes have had consequences. The genetic manipulations altered basic genetic structural arrangements in the wheat, including strains in offspring that yielded proteins which were NOT present in either parent. And there is a shocking absence of safety testing for human consumption of these hybrid strains of wheat. It’s been estimated that thousands of new strains have made it into our food supply without the necessary safety testing. Many of my sources believe a multitude of ills today, including celiac disease, obesity, abnormal blood sugar, and others may be the result of modern-day wheat.

In Lights Out by T.S. Wiley and Bent Formby, Ph.D., researchers from the Sansum Medical Research Institute at Santa Barbara, California, the authors state, “Any bread is still fake food. Just don’t eat it. There are no bread trees or pasta bushes. Bread and pasta do not occur in nature.”

I have taught a balanced whole-foods eating program for more than 13 years now and it has been amazing watching person after person resolve so many issues just by getting on board with removing the junk and processed foods, including wheat, and filling their diets with real foods, foods that nature [not technology or scientists] gave us.

In Living the Low Carb Life, Jonny Bowden, M.A., Certified Nutrition Specialist, says “grains, particularly wheat, have a high propensity for turning into sugar quickly, and wheat is also one of the foods most likely to be implicated in food sensitivities. At one point it was believed that celiac disease—an intolerance of gluten, which is found in most grains—was fairly rare, affecting only 1 in 1,700 people. Estimates are now running closer to 1 in 85, with some estimates as high as 1 in 33. And this doesn’t include the hard-to-estimate number of people who have delayed food sensitivities, very often to grains in general or at least to wheat. A book called Dangerous Grains by James Braly, M.D., suggests that gluten sensitivity may affect tens of millions of Americans.”

body + being

what do you think?

Don’t take my word for it. Do a little homework and you will be as convinced as I am that the wheat of today should not be included in your diet. What I hear from clients is, “I’m tired and don’t have time,” or “It’s cheaper to pick up something at a drive through.” But is that a good, valid, long-term decision that benefits our health and our loved ones well-being? When was the last time convenience or cost dictated the type of fuel you used in your automobile? Would you select diesel for your gas engine if it were cheaper or more convenient? No, you select what goes in your fuel tank based on what best supports it. Why do we sacrifice our health for convenience? Or cost? I believe we fool ourselves by ignoring the long-term consequences of our near-term food selection decisions. Our bodies suffer from selections that harm it, and we need to be aware of the health consequence of each choice. Wheat is not a good choice. The need for “healthy whole grains” is pure fiction. We each need to come to terms with that fact.

Finally, Bill Davis in his book Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight says, “Let me describe a typical person with a wheat deficiency: slender, flat tummy, low triglycerides, high HDL [“good”] cholesterol, normal blood sugar, normal blood pressure, high energy, good sleep, normal bowel function.”

Americans have been told for decades that grains should dominate their diet. In the former Food Guide Pyramid, 6 to 11 servings of grains per day was the recommendation. Contrary to that thinking, there will be no deficiency developed by eliminating wheat from your diet as long as it isn’t replaced by more highly processed foods. The best choice is to replace the wheat with a variety of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, quality meats, eggs, cheese, avocado, olives, nuts,and other whole, real foods.

As I always tell my clients, the choice is yours. If you are open to a future of low-to-no consumption of wheat-based food, and fill it with a variety of real, whole foods, I believe you will enjoy a very healthy life. But no matter what choice you make, I wish for you the best of all the rest of your days.

This information is not meant to be used as medical advice; please consult with a medical advisor knowledgeable in the field of nutrition nutritionally competent medical advisor.

Kevin Dawson

37–Graphic Designer–Moorhead not getting stuck on my "BIG" mistakes, and loving me in spite of them

Paul Votava

46 - Route sales – Barrel O’ Fun, East Grand Forks, MN family is everything

Chris Dietz 40 - Fargo Firefighter - Fargo children are the biggest blessing we have in life

Nathan Pinke, 37, Pinke Lumber Company and Pinke Homes, Inc - Wishek, ND taking the time to do something completely, the right way the first time . Rarely the easiest option and is especially difficult for a young person to realize when you’re only goal is to get the task done quickly .

Fred Hudson

46 - Director of Marketing and Communications, RDO Equipment Co - Fargo integrity and truthfulness…my dad was a man with morals and honest expectations

Mike Drong

39 - Structural Engineer - Sartell, MN several things, but most important, to be a good role model for my boys

Nathan Sugden

35 - Custom Harvester/Farmer – Hallock, ND kids don't come with an owner's manual, you have to figure it out as you go along

Robert Thorpe

33 - Farmer – Oakes, ND the importance of work ethic—always work hard and good things will come your way

Sesame Grilled Beef

Summer eating at our house almost never includes hamburgers or hot dogs. Why grill the same old thing when you can grill...EVERYTHING? Bul Kogi is a crowd pleaser every time and even the pickiest eaters always love this recipe! Enjoy grilling with your loved ones this summer and maybe even finding a new family favorite in Bul Kogi!

marinated meat ingredients

2 pounds shell steak or sirloin, sliced across the grain 1/4 inch thick

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup sugar

3 tablespoons sake or dry sherry

8 garlic cloves, minced

4 scallions, minced

2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper dipping sauce ingredients

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup sake

1/4 cup sugar

1 Asian pear—peeled, cored and finely chopped

4 scallions, finely chopped

1/4 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds serving ingredients

1 head of romaine lettuce, separated into leaves source: foodandwine.com recipe recommended by: how to

1. With a meat pounder, pound the meat between 2 sheets of plastic wrap until you have wide, thin strips.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar and sake; stir to dissolve the sugar.

3. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

4. Add the meat and turn to coat with the marinade.

5. Set aside to marinate for 1 hour, turning the meat from time to time.

6. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sake and sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar.

7. Add the Asian pear, scallions, onion and sesame seeds.

8. Pour the sauce into 6 small bowls.

9. Light a grill. When the fire is hot, arrange the meat on the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until nicely browned.

10. Transfer the meat to a platter and arrange the romaine leaves alongside.

11. To eat, wrap a piece of meat in a lettuce leaf, dip the bundle in the Asian pear sauce and pop it into your mouth.

Kari Hitterdahl’s passion for food, family, and fun has been with her since her upbringing on the shores of Big Floyd Lake near Detroit Lakes, MN. She earned Secondary Education degrees in Social Studies and English from Concordia College. Although determined to leave the area upon graduation, she instead fell in love with a globetrotting area native, and has lived in the F-M area for 18 years. Kari and her husband, Brent, have spent many long winters perfecting Thai recipes with their three children and eager taste-testers, Gunnar [13], Ava [10] and Ella [5]. Kari takes great pride in her career of stay-at-home mom, which has allowed her to cultivate her love for food and provide imaginative and healthy meals for her family. Just don’t ask her kids about meals they have labeled “Kari’s Creations!”

In Search Of Peace

story by | kathleen wrigley

Each of us has a story. We have all suffered hardships that may have changed our lives forever. Certain of life’s episodes threaten to saddle us with negative emotions and strip us of peace. Healing is personal and different for everyone. Achieving peace is a journey set by individual pace and process. And as sad as some of our situations may be, they can shape us and leave an indelible imprint on our histories. With the right tools—faith, attitude, and the prayers and support of others—these experiences can guide us through all the days of our lives.

I feel fortified when I attend church. And after several weeks of unavoidable absences, it felt good and right to be back in church on this morning. And while I don’t normally write about ministry, today’s service left me with an understanding that my own journey to finding peace is underway. I’m a work in progress, chugging along, but moving forward—with the help from my faith, attitude, and the prayers and support of others. The opening hymn, “It is Well with My Soul,” had me tilting my head back to swallow tears. Then the sermon: “Do you want to be healed?” explored the definition, expectations, and power of healing. The pastor struck a nerve when he mentioned the word “forgiveness” in relation to healing. I could no longer absorb the swell of tears. They fell. And I couldn’t stop them.

You see, I’m searching for peace…again.

I was recently in Philadelphia for an appeal hearing for the person who killed my brother 22 years ago. Danny was just 21 years old when he was murdered. I was 20. He was a rookie Philadelphia Police Officer, following in my Dad’s footsteps. After 22 years we are called back to court. This defendant was convicted and sentenced for murdering Dan, but because of a loophole found in recent case law, defendants are afforded another opportunity to plead for a lesser punishment, if they’re rendered mentally handicapped. Rather than dismiss the appeal request, a judge granted a week-long hearing. She will rule on the appeal…October 28. Six months after the hearing. Six months.

The process is maddening, especially this many years later. My parents and I—once again—faced the person responsible for intentionally killing Danny. Victims have no place at this level of the justice system. So the families who can garner enough strength will sit silently in the courtroom—forcing their loved one into the equation. There is barely any mention of the facts of the case. No reference to the thirteen rounds he fired into the police squad car. There are only new witnesses whose testimony fits nicely into the applicable case law; new “facts” and reasons why he shouldn’t be held accountable for his actions.

Suffice it to say it’s—temporarily—hardened me. I speak for myself, because finding peace is an intensely personal journey. I believe that finding peace forces us to forgive; to accept. Not everyone strives for this. Not all of us need peace. I do.

But it requires an enormous amount of emotional energy. Peace starts with a decision, but getting there is a process. I know this because—after 22 years—I was at peace. I reached a point of forgiveness. And by “forgiveness,” I mean the untying of pains held on my heart. I do not mean pardoning or condoning this defendant’s actions. But through the years, I have worked hard to accept Danny’s devastating, deliberate murder as part of my life’s history. We have endured what his death stole from us. We memorialize him in positive ways and I am grateful for the years I had with him. Nothing can take those years from my heart. Fortunately our hearts have good, good memories. And through a whole host of opportunities, I found peace.

Sadly, this judicial proceeding has threatened that healing. It’s reopened wounds and unearthed the peace achieved. There are moments when I feel like I’m swimming against a tidal wave of negativity and anger. And it hurts in ways I can’t describe. But I can’t stay here. I refuse to allow this external force—and all its power—to set my course. Experience proves its effectiveness, so I pray to find the path to peace, again. And I will

It starts with a decision and an open heart. Without peace, we are the prisoners, hampered by anger and bitterness and negativity. Without peace, we are stuck. And we miss out on so much.

When I returned home to North Dakota, there were plenty of piles to sift through. My family needed me—all of me. Projects and heaps of lists had accumulated in my absence. But life keeps rolling along. “Decompressing from the hearing will have to wait until I complete my tasks,” I thought. As happy as I was to be back with Drew and the kids, I was short-tempered and quick to cry.

And then I attended a benefit for my daughter’s teacher, Mrs. (Dawn) Ulmer. Mrs. Ulmer was in a serious car accident in March. She was broken from head to toe, literally. But nothing fractured her spirit. She is an amazing pillar of strength and faith. We watched in awe the nearly 1,000 people who gathered to raise money to help with medical costs and lost wages. We witnessed in absolute wonderment the generosity of Olive Garden—where Dawn worked part-time on weekends for extra money—as they served 850 meals that day. People from across the country donated their hard-earned money and items for the silent auction. Moms baked and created wonderful treats for the bake sale. People prayed. They served. They came. Nearly 1,000, hearts were fulfilled that day—all in the hopes of helping someone in need. Unbeknownst to many of these givers, they set me back on the path to peace. Their kindness touched all of us and restored hope. The promise of peace surrounds us all.

After the hearing and in a moment of sadness, my husband, Drew, read me this quote. It’s beautiful and true. On the night Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, Robert Kennedy spoke and quoted the Greek poet, Aeschylus: “In our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.”

“ Do you want to be healed?”—the pastor asks. The surprise of peace and promise can be seen, even in our darkest moments, “through the grace of God.” There is always hope in tomorrow. Our faith, our attitude, and prayers and support from others are reliable resources that carry us during our tough times. Through these precious gifts, peace awaits.

Peace out, Dawg.

Kathleen is a stay-at-home mom who serves on a number of community boards/committees, is active in her church, kids’ school, and politics and runs to sustain her own mental health! This Philadelphia native is married to a fourth generation North Dakotan, Drew, and proudly considers North Dakota her home. They have three children. Before becoming a mom, she was director for Bismarck’s Child Advocacy Center and was a speech writer. Kathleen received a BS from The Pennsylvania State University and completed her graduate studies at Temple University in Philadelphia.