Many of you in the Beauty Detox Community are asking me great beauty and health questions and I love it! Today I wanted to respond to DJ, who’s one of our Beauty Detox tribe members. DJ uses flours often, such as chickpea, coconut and almond flours and asks if we’re able to receive nutrients by incorporating these into our diets?
First of all, I’ll say that these types of flours are great substitutions for certain recipes, over the typical white flour brands. If you take a look at some of my cooking/baked recipes (like pancakes and gluten-free items), I definitely use a mix of gluten-free flours, such as the ones mentioned by DJ.
As we all know, flour is the essential building block of many baked desserts, as well as other foods. But it is a refined starch, so it can spike your blood sugar, interfere with your metabolism, and contribute to inflammatory diseases like heart disease and arthritis. Many people think whole wheat flour is a promising substitute but wheat is a highly allergenic crop for many, contains the “sticky” protein gluten, and is also a heavily pesticide-sprayed crop.
It is better to have whole chickpeas, whole almonds, brown rice and coconut water, or some coconut flakes, versus just the flours of all these different foods. It’s better to stick to recipes that use more whole foods, whole fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, rather than relying on just flours for everything.
It is important to remember that they’re flour, so they are processed. They’re not whole foods, and therefore, I wouldn’t suggest having them too often. They’re good for treats and to weave in maybe a couple of times a week or a couple of times a month.
If these small substitutions are done regularly, it can go a long way in helping you stay on track towards achieving your overall health and Beauty goals. You’ll not only detoxify your body but you’ll feel more alive, energetic, and beautiful.
As a Recap
Again, I don’t think these flours are the worst thing, but I don’t think it’s the absolute best either. These flours still have some nutrients (some protein, iron, etc.) and fiber and can be incorporated into your diet, but I wouldn’t make it a mainstay in your daily habits.
It’s all about balance, and remember that at least eighty percent of your diet, ideally, would be whole food based, and then the flours could be in that twenty percent. The real key to success is to evolve over time to a healthier, happier version of yourself.
Thank you Beauties, for all of your great questions. Remember, I answer four questions weekly, on my Beauty Inside Out podcast (#askkimberly), and would love to answer yours. Don’t forget to enter your Beauty or Health question, HERE!
Sending you lots of love,
Kimberly
