Here’s how manufacturers reduce the carbs in various foods likes bread products:
They replace refined wheat flour with soy flour (higher in protein), soy protein, or wheat protein. They add extra fiber, such as wheat bran, oat bran, or other fiber. They add high-fat ingredients such as nuts or they replace sugar with sugar alcohols (maltitol, lactitol, or sorbitol) or artificial sweeteners.
Low carbohydrate breads may not be much better for you than traditional bread. A slice of "low-carb" Atkins bread, for instance, has 60 calories and 8 grams of total carbs, though it claims to have only 3 "net impact" carbs. A slice of a conventional "diet" bread typically has 50 calories and 10 grams of carbs. That isn’t a significant difference.
There are several different companies which produce low-carbohydrate bread. You may have to taste several different brands before you find one that you like the best. If you want the taste of fresh-baked bread at home, try this recipe:
Bread Machine Low-Carb Bread
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 2 tablespoons Splenda sugar substitute
• 1/3 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup soy or almond flour
• 3/4 cup vital wheat gluten flour
• 1 teaspoon dried yeast
Using a 1 pound capacity bread machine, combine ingredients according to order given in bread machine manual. Select 'light' browning setting. Don't remove bread until it is cooled. Cut into slices, and store, covered, in the refrigerator.
