Grain: any food made from wheat, barley, rice, oats, or cornmeal.
Whole grains are imperative ingredients in nutritious eating. Making them part of your diet has proven to lower heart disease risk, diabetes and even certain cancers. Try to choose whole grains over refined grains such as white rice. Most refined grains we find in cereals, pastries, breads, crackers and desserts. Eliminating refined grains and replacing them with whole grains, can have an extraordinary impact on your health and well-being. To make it easy, here are 5 ways you can start incorporating whole grains into each meal. The more you know, the better you can eat.
1. Shop Smart
Always check the ingredients. Foods labeled as “multigrain” or “seven-grain” or “bran” are not always 100% whole grain products and may not even have any!
2. Bake Up Whole-Grain Wellness
Next time you are baking, try using buckwheat, oat flour, or millet instead of white flour. Be mindful that your dish may need extra leavening.
3. Healthy Snacking
Try 100% whole wheat crackers. Popcorn is an excellent source of whole grain, just be sure not to add salt or butter.
4. Try Whole Wheat Versions
Try brown rice or whole wheat pasta, you might be surprised! Cook up some pasta with steamed veggies for a light, delicious and nutritious meal.
5. Fiber Check
Good sources of fiber contain 10% to 19% of the Daily Value; excellent sources contain 20% or more.
