Is it the Vital Wheat Gluten that is now being added to almost every bread on the grocery store shelves?

Is it the hidden GMOs in the ingredients?

Is it the Modernization of wheat from the amber waves of grain to the dwarf wheat of today?

Is it the rancidity that takes place in freshly ground flour that is stored unrefrigerated - or the chemical preservatives used to keep it from quickly turning rancid?

Is it the breeding methods that have taken place over time that has changed the genetic makeup of wheat that has led to tenfold increases in yields from that of only a century ago?

Is it the dough conditioners and additives and artificial colors that are used to help create the illusion of a big bold healthy/hearty/whole grain loaf of bread?

Is it the synthetic vitamins that are added to replace the ones destroyed in the refinement and milling process?

Is it the hormone-like substance or “plant growth regulators” that are being applied to the wheat?

Is it the collection bins sprayed with insecticides and or perhaps it’s the fumigation method (a toxic concentration of gas) used to remove any pests from the grain bins?

Is it poor soil preparation or a lack of a good crop rotation plan?

Is it the use of herbicides and pesticides?

Is it the disappearance of the old fashioned stone grinding method that has been replaced by high speed steel roller mills?

Is it the lack of using a cooled air drying system to dry the grain that causes the protein in the grain to become damaged?

Is it the preservatives that are added to bread to increase shelf life?

...and we could go on and on regarding the many different things that could be affecting your daily bread.  We could make a strong case for any of the items listed above as being the culprit and the downfall of your daily bread.  We could probably even write a book and make a case that would not only be convincing but also scientifically credible. 

We find it amazing how a person will simply pick one of the categories above and create an entire crusade based upon that one thing.  For example - gluten is the big unforgivable sin these days.  It is being perpetuated and accused of being the ultimate villain to your well being. We are not so sure we agree with that.  But then again, we know that not all gluten is created equal. 

Over the next several months, we are going to share our 30 year journey with you.  During this journey we have discovered many things about your daily bread that will surprise you. We don’t believe it’s your daily bread, specifically, that is making you sick - we believe it is what’s been done to your daily bread that is making you sick. 

As you go through this journey with us - the way you look at bread is going to change.  You are going to realize that bread is not the enemy - gluten is not the enemy - our need for "faster, better, cheaper" has been and continues to be our enemy. 

We have gotten into this mess because of our belief that we can out smart and outperform absolutely everything in its original state. How’s that been working out for us?  Food related allergies, cancer and every other type of chronic illness is spiraling out of control. It’s time that we realize that not everything new is better. It’s also time that we realize that cheaper comes with a price and that price just may be your health.

We hope to challenge your thinking and to create an open, honest dialogue in the baking industry. This is not in an effort to harm - but an effort to educate and to help bring about some much needed change.  After all, something really had to go wrong to get everyone's attention.  And we aren't simply talking about a food that has just recently been introduced to our diets - we are talking about bread. Bread - a dietary staple that our ancestors have been eating for thousands of years. 

Stay tuned - make sure to watch for our emails and/or subscribe to our blog updates on our website at www.BerlinNaturalBakery.com.  You do not want to miss the information in this series.  If you’ve been eating gluten free because your daily bread was making you fat, sick and/or you have developed allergies or sensitivities to wheat - then this series is for you. 

Peace & Blessings! 
Joy
President

This information is not intended or appropriate for those that suffer from celiac disease.  Celiac disease is a serious and potential life threatening health condition. 

All Rights Reserved - Berlin Natural Bakery - April 2015

The most frequently asked question that I get is “how did I end up in the natural health industry?”  This is a reasonable question since my previous business experiences have nothing to do with the natural and organic world.  It’s actually a very easy question for me to answer.  I suffered from an illness that the doctors and specialists could not diagnose or treat.  I truly believed that is was possible that this illness could lead to my death.  None of the symptoms made any sense to anyone.  I turned to a friend that owns a wellness center in Palm Beach Florida for help.  Within ten days of alternative treatments and a major change to a chemical free and vegetarian diet, I came home 90% well.  Even my doctors were amazed at the transformation.  From that day forward, the only thing I’ve wanted to do is help people avoid the health traps that I had fallen into.  For me, this is my calling, the thing that I was born to do.

It’s hard for me to think back on those days without feeling overwhelmed and extremely grateful that I had the ability and resources to find the solution.  As I was thinking about this experience today, I realized that there is another experience that I’ve wanted to share with you that specifically relates to our products.  An amazing experience that I was able to witness first hand.

About three and a half years ago, my nephew Codye moved in with us.  He was 20 years old at the time.   He’s 6’2” tall and although he no doubt weighed more then he should have, he carried it well, mostly due to his height.  After about 8 months or so, I realized that he truly was what many of us would refer to as a sickly child.  I couldn’t figure it out what could be wrong with him because the symptoms varied.  However, some were consistent such as he was always tired, congested and always had dark circles under his eyes even after sleeping 10-12 hours.  I made recommendations such as taking supplements and getting his system into a more alkalized state.  But I was always very busy and I make it a rule to allow people to make their own choices in life.  I knew his diet was not good.  He was eating a lot of fast food and whatever he could grab and eat on the go.

Approximately a year after Codye’s arrival, he was in an automobile accident and was suffering with severe back problems.  I am a big fan of acupuncture and had been treated successfully several times myself.  Prior to the “medical” route, I thought it would be best to at least try acupuncture first.  I sent him to my acupuncturist Dr. Barbara Custer in Mill Valley California whom truly performed miracles on him.  It was amazing.  During his treatments, she also noticed the symptoms that I had noticed.  She told him that she thinks he has a wheat allergy.  WOW!  How could it be that someone living under my roof had a wheat allergy that I didn’t diagnose?

Needless to say, we immediately removed any and all "modernized wheat" from his diet and started cooking for the entire family only using our spelt baked goods and flour.  I would not allow him to change or remove any other food from his diet, so that we could know with certainty that he was dealing with a reaction to "modernized wheat."  Within 4 1/2 months he lost 60 pounds.  Isn’t that amazing?  I’ve never seen anything like it.  He was eating grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, breadsticks, cookies and pasta all from our Heirloom Spelt and the weight just fell off of him.  I’ve read testimonials like this, but to watch the transformation in his health and weight was incredible.  Not only did he lose the extra weight, he radiates health.  That was two years ago and he has kept the weight off.

This exact scenario is discussed in the book “Wheat Belly” written by William Davis, MD.  He clearly discusses the differences between “modernized wheat” versus the wheat that our great grandparents ate.  It’s a great book and I highly recommend it.  He clearly states what we’ve been saying for the last twenty years - Ancient Grains ROCK!

Our Heirloom Spelt grain is a protected variety and documented as “pure” spelt grain.  It’s the REAL thing.  In Europe, spelt is known as the weight loss grain and rightfully so.

Due to this experience, Codye and my son Nick have started their own business in the natural and organic industry.  I am one proud Mom and Aunt.  There are times when it’s hard to keep fighting a battle for something that you so strongly believe in and yet normally people are not overly receptive to the message until they or a loved one suffers with an illness.  Being fortunate enough to watch people take control of their health, which in turn transforms their lives is beyond motivating.  We realize that we aren’t just producing people’s daily bread, we are changing peoples lives.  What could be more rewarding in life then that?

If you would like to pay it forward, share your testimonials with us and we will share them with others on our FB page. Please send them to Testimonials@BerlinNaturalBakery.com. We love hearing your stories!

Don't forget to check out our monthly specials. As always orders of $34+ are eligible for FREE UPS/FED EX Ground Shipping. 

 

Wishing you all the best of health!

 

Joy Schrock

Berlin Natural Bakery

President

 

 

Dear Berlin Natural Bakery Customer, The following statement is often heard at Berlin Natural Bakery….”We have the best customers and the most educated customers of anyone”. It brings so much joy to each and every one of us when we receive testimonials such as the following:

“About 8 years ago I found out I was allergic to wheat. My physician suggested I eat spelt bread, but didn't know where to buy it. I went to Whole Foods and tested all of their products. Berlin Bakery was the only one that I actually liked. I liked it so much that I started ordering it by the case from the Bakery direct. Now if I taste any other type of bread, I can't eat it because I like Berlin so much. It just tastes better. The most important thing is that after I stopped eating wheat and starting eating spelt bread I felt so much better! Also, the rest of my family started eating the Berlin spelt bread too because they like it and it has nothing to do with allergies.”

We read of the struggles that many of you face looking for good tasting food for either yourself or your loved ones who face a myriad of allergies. And believe me, many a tear has been shed when we read of how many of you or your children have been able to eat bread again for the first time after many, many years of going without. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives and days to share with us what our products mean to you. It encourages all of us and keeps us wanting to do more to meet your needs.

April Special

Classic White Spelt Bread – Favorite of kids and adults - 25% Off Angel Food Spelt Cake – Light as a feather and only 90 calories per slice – 25% Off Berlin Natural Bakery Online Store *To place your order via phone call us at 800-686-5334 *As always orders of $34+ qualify for Free UPS/FED Ex Ground Shipping *Special Offer is Valid thru April 30th, 2012 Blessings to each and every one of you. Berlin Natural Bakery Staff

Genetically modified organisms also known as (GMO's) can be found in as many as 60-70% of the foods in the US. 

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by:  Kathleen Finn

High energy eats for kids on the run.  Great snacks to keep on hand to satisfy ravenous appetites and picky palates.

Dip and Sip

Chilled dips and blended drinks are a pleasing change of pace from the lunchbox doldrums. *Pineapple-Yogurt dip:  Mix together 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice concentrate, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple.  Serve with sliced fruits or berries. *Peanut butter - orange dip:  Mix 1/2 cup peanut butter with 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1/3 cup orange juice.  Run through food processor and accompany with crackers or sliced fruit. *Smoothies:  Combine 1 cup of apple or orange juice with blueberries, raspberries or strawberries, add ice, a touch of yogurt or silken tofu and blend.  For a creamier drink, replace juice with milk - regular, soy or rice.

Stay Cool

Entice kids to help you assemble these chilly treats. *Popsicles:  Blend ice cream or frozen yogurt with milk, soy milk or rice milk and pour into popsicle molds.  Use molds to make fresh fruit juice popsicles as well. *Fresh Fruit Salad:  Cut up apples, pineapple, bananas, oranges and berries.  Throw in dried cranberries or raisins, add sunflower seeds or silvered almonds.  Top with a dollop of yogurt. *Berry Parfaits:  Loyer fresh raspberries, cherries, or blueberries with granola and yogurt or freshly whipped cream.

On the Run

Traveling near or far by car, bike, train or plane?  Keep small hands busy with a selection of sturdy snacks. *Make your own snack mix with a combination of nuts, dried fruit, carob or chocolate chips and cereal pieces.  Try a savory selection of several cereals, pretzels, nuts and rice crackers. *Dried Fruit - banana chips, mango and apple, papaya, pear or peach slices *Plain popcorn sprinkled with brewer's yeast or parmesan cheese. *Baked pita or bagel chips. *Bake your own potato, beet or sweet potato chips.  Slice vegetables thinly, drizzle with olive oil, spinkle with salt and pepper and bake in oven at 350 degreese until crispy.
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Healthy Snack Tips provided by Nature's Food Market, Berlin, Ohio.  www.naturesfoodmarket.com