• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Holistic Chef Academy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Recipes
  • Members Club
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • All Recipes
    • Members Club
    • Shop
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    The Life Changing Bread - 101

    29th April 2021 by Jamie Raftery 2 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This is quite a bold statement to make! How could this be? Allow me to introduce you to my life changing bread recipe. It's easy to make, high in protein, full of good fiber, gluten-free, vegan and makes the best toast ever!

    life-changing-bread-sliced-and-ready-to-eat-with-a-cup-of-tea
    Jump to:
    • My introduction to life changing bread
    • Can a bread actually change your life?
    • Ingredients you will need
    • Ingredient substitutions
    • Equipment you will need
    • Tutorial
    • How to make the life changing bread
    • Nutrition and health benefits of life changing bread
    • What to serve life changing bread with
    • Let's break bread
    • 📋 Recipe
    • FAQ
    • Healthy cooking classes
    • Feedback

    My introduction to life changing bread

    I was cooking on an ecstatic dance retreat hosted by The Wild Chocolate Club on an organic farm deep in the Ross-on-Wye valley a few years back. I love cooking on events like these, as I get to meet so many interesting people going through transformational personal developments.

    As the holistic chef, I had the role of feeding and nurturing everyone throughout the week. No easy feat; breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for 6 days for 20 hungry ecstatic dancers!

    One day a coeliac guest was discussing her eating challenges with me and asked had I ever heard of The Life Changing Bread? No I hadn't, but I was curious to learn more about it, so I looked up a few recipes on the internet and started playing around with some recipes!

    I'm very happy to be finally sharing my recipe with you here today.

    adding-peanut-butter-to-bread

    Can a bread actually change your life?

    It sounds a bit dramatic that a simple loaf of bread could change your life; everything we eat everyday changes our life in some way. It either promotes or demotes our health, therefore impacting our lives in everyway.

    Our energy and vitality comes from the food we eat everyday, so approaching food with the awareness that it can change our life is a very empowering notion to embrace.

    When I realized I can cook food that could make people healthier and stronger, I felt I gained some superpowers and had a duty to share them with more people. Imagine fermenting a head of cabbage into a pro-biotic kimchi that will improve the gut health of my students, while empowering them with the knowledge to make the kimchi for themselves? Now it becomes life changing kimchi!

    Developing healthier eating habits, while learning new cooking skills and techniques will change our life, and for the better for the most part.

    2 reasons why this recipe may change your life

    • You realize how easy it is to make a delicious and healthy bread at home. No yeast, kneading or flour needed.
    • It's 100% gluten free (choose certified gluten-free oats) which for most of us is ok, but for Coeliac's it's life changing.
    ingredients-for-life-changing-bread

    Ingredients you will need

    This is the most challenging part of the recipe, believe me! Once you have all the ingredients and a weighing scales, the rest is a walk in the park.

    Grain

    Oats provide the main base for this recipe, select good quality certified gluten-free oats. I like a jumbo oat for the best texture. I never use quick cook fine oats for textural reasons.

    Seeds

    Sunflower seeds are the fruit of the sunflower plant and what better way to bring some sunshine to your life changing bread? They bring lots of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

    Flaxseeds are prized for their health protective properties, containing lots of omega 3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals. If flaxseeds are not a regular staple in your pantry, I urge you to incorporate them into more of your recipes.

    Chia seeds translates to 'strength' seeds in Mayan language. These nutrient packs seeds work miracles when incorporated into your diet consistently over a period of time. In gluten-free baking chia seeds provide a good texture and help bind all the other ingredients together. Check out my chia egg recipe for baking applications.

    Sesame seeds have been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. To gain their nutritional benefits, you need to consume substantial amounts on a regular basis. I make my own sesame milk regularly and use it in my smoothies, overnight oats, chia puddings and porridges. I also make a Sesame Gomashio seasoning which I sprinkle on almost any savoury dish.

    Pumpkin seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, full of valuable nutrients. They contain a substantial amount of protein and antioxidants.

    Psyllium husk is a bulk-forming laxative. This means it soaks up water in your gut and makes bowel movements much easier and can help promote regularity without increasing flatulence. It can be used as a one-off to ease constipation, or it can be added to your diet to help promote regularity and overall digestive health. Psyllium is a prebiotic — a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut.

    Read more about psyllium husk here

    Nuts

    Cashew nuts bring good amounts of protein and fiber to the bread, along with lots of essential minerals.

    Dried fruits

    Raisins are packed with energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals, they bring a nice fruity sweetness to this recipe.

    Fat

    Coconut oil provides the liquid fat element needed for baking a nice loaf of bread.

    Sweetness

    Maple for a touch of extra sweetness and pleasurable flavor.

    Seasoning

    Pink salt lifts the flavor of all the ingredients and allows them to sing together!

    life-changing-bread-ready-to-slice-with-blueberry-chia-seed-jam
    Freshly baked bread just out of the oven

    Ingredient substitutions

    If you are intolerant to, or cannot source any of the ingredients on this recipe, I have some substitution recommendations below. This recipe is versatile and forgiving to play around with. You can use any nut, seed, dried fruit or grain that you like.

    Grain: In place of oats you can try using buckwheat flakes, millet flakes, quinoa flakes or even rye, barley or spelt flakes.

    Fruit: In place of raisins you can use dried figs, apricot, date or even prune.

    Nut: You can use any nut here. Chop them up a little before adding to the mix.

    Seed: Feel free to play around with different seeds. Except for the psyllium seed husk, chia seeds and flax seeds. You cannot substitute these seeds, they help to provide the breads texture and bind all the ingredients together.

    Oil: Coconut or olive oil can be used or any good quality oil.

    Sweetness: Up to you here, you can leave this out or try adding honey, coconut nectar, rice syrup or malted barley syrup.

    Salt: Pink or sea salt can be used.

    Spice: Feel free to spice this recipe up by adding some cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, carob, caraway or fennel seeds.

    fresh-bread-sliced-with-blueberry-jam-served-beside

    Equipment you will need

    No fancy equipment is needed for this recipe. All you need is:

    • Weighing scales
    • Mixing bowl
    • Chefs knife
    • Chopping board
    • Spatula
    • Bread tin
    • Oven

    Tutorial

    Life Changing Bread Recipe

    How to make the life changing bread

    Here is my step-by-step guide. It really is very easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or freezer so you can have a nice snack available when hunger strikes.

    It makes a nice gift if you are visiting some friends for dinner. I hope you enjoy making and eating it.

    The full recipe, method and nutrition card is below. You can save to PDF, print or share via email.

    Step by step guide

    ingredients-in-a-bowl-ready-to-mix-for-making-bread

    Assemble and weigh all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

    mixing-all-the-dry-ingredients-together

    Mix all the dry ingredients together.

    mixing-all-the-dry-ingredients-together

    Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.

    add-the-water-to-bread-mix

    Add the water.

    mix-the-bread-mix

    Mix the water very well.

    add-the-maple-to-the-bread

    Add the maple.

    add-the-coconut-oil-to-the-bread-mix

    Add the melted coconut oil.

    mix-the-bread-very-well

    Mix well.

    transfer-the-bread-mix-to-bread-tin

    Spoon the bread mix into a non-stick bread tin or line a bread tin with baking parchment.

    flatten-the-bread-mix-with-a-spatula

    Pack the bread mix down well.

    smoothen-the-bread-with-a-wet-spoon

    Smoothen out the bread mix with the back of a wet spoon or spatula.

    Allow the bread to activate overnight.

    To bake

    Pre-heat the oven to 175c / 350f

    Bake for 25 minutes then turn the bread out of the tin and bake for another 20-25 minutes until it's nice and golden brown all over.

    life-changing-bread-out-of-the-oven

    Allow the bread to rest for about 30 minutes before slicing.

    Nutrition and health benefits of life changing bread

    This is an all-round nutrient dense bread, full of wholesome ingredients. It can help to improve your digestion when eaten regularly and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, so your not snacking in between meals. It's a good addition to your menus and as you can see it is very straight forward to make.

    taking-a-slice-of-change-your-life-bread

    What to serve life changing bread with

    • Spiced Pumpkin Soup
    • Blueberry chia seed jam
    • Peanut butter
    • Vegan cheeses
    morning-breakfast-table-with-a-cup-of-tea-and-life-chnging-bread

    Let's break bread

    I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe. Let me know your feedback in the comments section below and remember to tag #holisticchefacademy with your recreation. Happy cooking my friends!

    📋 Recipe

    life-changing-bread-sliced-and-ready-to-eat-with-a-cup-of-tea

    Life Changing Bread 101

    Jamie Raftery
    Healthy oat, nut and mixed seed bread, high in fiber and essential nutrients. Easy to make, gluten-free and 100% delicious.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Go To My Recipe Collections
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 9 hrs 20 mins
    Difficulties Beginner
    Course Bread
    Cuisine International
    Servings 20 50g slices
    Calories 162 kcal
    Allergens Gluten free, Soy free, Vegan

    Equipment

    • Weighing scales
    • Chopping board
    • Chefs knife
    • Mixing bowl
    • Spatula
    • Spoon
    • Bread tin

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 160 g Oats
    • 90 g Flax seeds - golden
    • 20 g Chia seeds
    • 20 g Psyllium husk
    • 20 g White sesame seeds
    • 40 g Pumpkin seeds
    • 135 g Sunflower seeds
    • 65 g Cashew chopped small
    • 50 g Raisin
    • 30 g Coconut oil
    • 15 ml Maple syrup
    • 400 ml Water - filtered
    • 4 g Pink salt to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark while cooking
    Add to Shopping List Go To My Shopping List

    Method
     

    • Assemble and measure out all ingredients.
      ingredients-for-life-changing-bread
    • Add all the dry ingredients into a large bowl, mix very well.
      ingredients-in-a-bowl-ready-to-mix-for-making-bread
    • Add the water and mix well.
      add-the-water-to-bread-mix
    • Add the sweetener.
      add-the-maple-to-the-bread
    • Add the melted coconut oil and mix well.
      add-the-coconut-oil-to-the-bread-mix
    • Mix very well with a spatula until the mix becomes smooth and almost creamy.
      mix-the-bread-very-well
    • Spoon the mix into the non-stick baking tin. (Otherwise, line the bread tin with baking parchment)
      transfer-the-bread-mix-to-bread-tin
    • Flatten down the mix well.
      flatten-the-bread-mix-with-a-spatula
    • Smoothen with the back of a wet spoon, then cover and leave at room temperature overnight to activate the chia and flax seeds.
      smoothen-the-bread-with-a-wet-spoon

    To bake

    • Bake at 175c for 25 minutes.
    • Turn out of the tin, then put back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown all over.
    • Transfer to cooling rack.
      life-changing-bread-out-of-the-oven
    • Allow to cool before slicing.
      life-changing-bread-sliced-ready-to-eat

    ADD YOUR OWN RECIPE NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition Label

    Nutrition Facts
    Life Changing Bread 101
    Serving Size
     
    50 g
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    162
    % Daily Value*
    Protein
     
    5
    g
    10
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    13
    g
    4
    %
    Fiber
     
    5
    g
    21
    %
    Fat
     
    11
    g
    17
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Sodium
     
    7
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    178
    mg
    5
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    3
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    51
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

    Keyword Gluten-free, Gut health, Healthy, High-fibre, Vegan
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @the_holistic_chef on social media, I love to see your creations!

    FAQ

    How long does the bread last for?

    This freshly baked bread will keep well for 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to one week.

    Can I freeze this bread?

    Absolutely, I suggest slicing the bread before freezing. Then you can pop in the toaster straight from the freezer. This way there is no wastage and you can have freshly toasted bread whenever you like!

    What is psyllium husk?

    Psyllium is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago whose seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage. Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber to relieve symptoms of both constipation and mild diarrhea. In gluten-free bread baking, Psyllium provides good texture by binding all the ingredients together.

    What if I'm intolerant to oats?

    The oats can be substituted for quinoa, buckwheat, spelt or rye flakes. You may need to adapt the quantities slightly.

    Can I make this oil free?

    Yes, you can leave the oil out. It will change the texture slightly but it will still make a nice loaf.

    Can I make this sugar free?

    Certainly, you can omit the maple and raisins if preferred.

    I'm allergic to nuts, can I make this recipe nut free?

    The nuts form a core part of the bulk in this recipe. You can leave the nuts out and add extra seeds in place of the nuts. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds would work best.

    Do the flax and chia seeds need to be ground first?

    Not necessarily, this recipe allows for the nuts and seeds to be activated overnight. If you grind the chia and flax seeds you will need to compensate with some extra water.

    Can I use quick oats for this recipe?

    Yes you may. The bread will still be ok. For the best results I recommend large rolled oats.

    sharing-a-slice-of-fresh-life-changing-bread
    Breaking Bread

    Healthy cooking classes

    Are you interested in learning more about healthy cooking? Join one of my online or offline cooking classes

    More Inspiration

    • wolffia-globosa-b12-booster-balls-ready-to-eat
      Wolffia Globosa B12 Boosters
    • sweet-potato-brownie-portioned
      Sweet Potato Brownie
    • fig-barfi-sliced-ready-to-eat
      Anjeer Barfi {Indian Spiced Fig Dessert}
    • chia-seed-mil-in-a-glass
      Chia Seed Milk

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarie

      March 02, 2023 at 12:09 pm

      Should the nuts be raw?

      Reply
      • Jamie Raftery

        March 09, 2023 at 2:36 am

        I use raw nuts, they activate overnight after you make the mix. Did you try the recipe?

        Reply

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jamie-smiling-in-chef-whites

    Hi, my name is Jamie from Galway in the West of Ireland. I've been cooking in Michelin Star kitchens all around the world for most of my career. In 2015 I launched The Holistic Chef academy to focus on the nutritional aspects of food.

    Educate - Inspire - Empower became my mantra and mission. Currently, I'm living and cooking between Europe and Thailand.

    Read more about Jamie

    Cooked @

    brand-logos-for-restaurants-jamie-cooked-in

    Real Good Food

    The Holistic Chef Academy is a place for discovering healthy and wholesome plant-based vegan recipes to make at home.

    Made with affordable ingredients - minimal fuss - highly nutritional - super tasty and full of love.

    Follow Me

    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn

    Sign Up For Free Recipes

    Subscribe to newsletter

    Seasonal Recipes

    • middle-eastern-food-display
      Vegan Middle Eastern Recipes
    • my-top-9-thai-vegan-recipes-thai-spice-display
      Thai Vegan Recipes | My Top 9
    • banana-bread-fresh-from-the-oven
      Vegan Banana Bread (Your Go-To Recipe)
    • turmeric-jamu-in-a-shot-glass
      Turmeric Jamu - Immune Boosting Health Tonic

    Trending Recipes

    • wax-gourd-juice-seasoning
      Ash Gourd Juice / Winter Melon Juice
    • malva-nuts-soaking-for-juice
      Malva Nut Juice
    • life-changing-bread-sliced-and-ready-to-eat-with-a-cup-of-tea
      The Life Changing Bread - 101
    • wolffia-cheesecake-been-sliced-and-served
      Wolffia Cheesecake {Vegan B12 Source}

    Join The Club

    Life On Plants Meal Prep Members Club

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    INFORMATION

    Hi, I'm Jamie...

    Contact

    Subscribe! For new recipes

    Privacy Policy

    SERVICES

    Join Life On Plants Membership

    Vegan Cooking Courses, Phuket

    Wellness Chef Consulting

    Culinary Health Coaching

    CONNECT

    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter