A new year is upon us, and if we are seriously thinking about changing our diet to a lighter, healthier one, then this is the best time to do it. After all those indulgences that came with the holidays, it is high time we cleansed our system and began anew, starting with the base carbohydrates that we take, which is rice and bread.

The key is to shift from the empty calories of white rice and bread to nutrient-rich options such as brown, multigrain, and whole grain rice and bread.

When it comes to breads, one of the places to go to for healthy breads is The French Baker, a French style bakery, café and restaurant put up by Johnlu Koa in 1989. Today, 36 years later, it continues to thrive in serving the Filipino’s bread needs because it constantly innovates, follows market trends, and creates products that are beneficial for people’s health. Its more than 80 locations nationwide make it possible for consumers to procure healthy breads whenever they need it and wherever they are.

Its line of healthy breads include 100 percent Whole Grain Bread, which boasts of the purest whole wheat and is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. It is made with sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, rolled oats, and sesame seeds, and has low GI (glycemic index) and zero transfat.

Then there is the Sourdough Multigrain Loaf, which is made with unbleached wheat flour, whole wheat flour, rye flour, semolina flour, rice flour, sea salt, yeast, honey, vegetable oil, natural liquid sour, flax seeds, rolled oats, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.

CLASSIC Foccacia.Another healthy choice happens to be Sourdough Rye Loaf, which is made with unbleached wheat flour, rye flour, yeast, natural liquid sour, sea salt and water. This and the Sourdough Multigrain Loaf contain no refined sugar, preservatives and transfat.

The French Baker also makes its own versions of Sourdough Bread, which comes in round and oval shapes, as well as Classic Foccacia and Ciabatta breads. The latter is even available in three shapes: Square, Classic (long, thin and rectangular) and Flat (regular).

Eating healthy breads is a good way to start shifting to a healthier diet this 2025 because you can have it for breakfast to jumpstart a day filled with good vibes and positive energy.