Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet. They contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber- all essential in healthy eating. They also supply our brain with energy since they ultimately turn into glucose (sugar) after digestion. Glucose is the main source of energy that the brain uses and without it, the body turns to other sources for energy that can be toxic to your body in the long-term (This is why the Atkins and other low carbohydrate diets are not ideal since they cause the body to use muscle and fat for energy which produces toxic compounds). Getting more whole grains is easy with just a few simple steps.
*Try to include as much whole grain and whole wheat breads, pastas, crackers, cereals (hot and cold), rice, wraps, and even mixes such as pancake mix or muffin mixes. Look for "whole wheat" or "whole grain" as the FIRST ingredient in the ingredients category of the food label. An example is pictured here:
*Some whole grain breads can be tough and chewy in texture. If this bothers you, choose a soft whole wheat bread that is simply called "100% whole wheat." Sometimes they add seeds or nuts that make the texture harder but 100% whole wheat won't have that.
*Substitute your breads and pastas when eating out. Many restaurants have wheat toast or sandwich bread, tortillas, and whole wheat pasta. Just simply ask your server for their whole wheat options.
*Experiment- many different brands and types of whole grain products taste different. Try a few to find one you enjoy and will eat most often.
*Be skeptical. Just because an items claims it is made with whole grains (for example, the lean pocket) does not mean it is considered a whole grain food. They may be made with only 2% of whole grains while the other ingredients are highly processed. To avoid this, make sure the first ingredient is "whole wheat" or "whole grain."
This product is MADE WITH whole grains. At first glance
you might believe it is whole grain but the tiny words "made with"
are hard to see and inform you that even though it has some whole grains,
it uses more white flour than whole wheat flour.
I hope these tips help you!
-Lacey D
*Try to include as much whole grain and whole wheat breads, pastas, crackers, cereals (hot and cold), rice, wraps, and even mixes such as pancake mix or muffin mixes. Look for "whole wheat" or "whole grain" as the FIRST ingredient in the ingredients category of the food label. An example is pictured here:
*Substitute your breads and pastas when eating out. Many restaurants have wheat toast or sandwich bread, tortillas, and whole wheat pasta. Just simply ask your server for their whole wheat options.
*Experiment- many different brands and types of whole grain products taste different. Try a few to find one you enjoy and will eat most often.
*Be skeptical. Just because an items claims it is made with whole grains (for example, the lean pocket) does not mean it is considered a whole grain food. They may be made with only 2% of whole grains while the other ingredients are highly processed. To avoid this, make sure the first ingredient is "whole wheat" or "whole grain."
you might believe it is whole grain but the tiny words "made with"
are hard to see and inform you that even though it has some whole grains,
it uses more white flour than whole wheat flour.
I hope these tips help you!
-Lacey D