The "Whole Grain" Truth

We hear a lot about "Whole Grains"..

Are they really that important?
Does it make a difference? Why? What are they?

YES!! Incorporating whole grains into your meal planning is an important step to creating healthier eating habits. Whole grains are an important part of your dietary health providing essential nutrients, repairing your body after exercise. Eating whole grains is also linked to a reduction in many diseases, such as heart disease, brain health and obesity (just to name a few). By eating whole grains, you are maximizing the vitamin intake. Often, food that is processed over and over loses nutrients.

What are Whole Grains? Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked, crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should deliver approximately the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the original grain seed.

Familiar Whole Grain Foods include (but not limited to):
* Oatmeal * Brown Rice * 100% Whole Wheat * Barley * Quinoa * Rye * Corn

Tips/NOTES:
1. Multi-grain is NOT the same. Be sure to look at the label. For example, on your breads you want to see 100%whole wheat as the first ingredient. 2. Cooking whole grains often takes a little longer, so plan ahead. Make enough for a couple meals.
3. Whole grains is one way you get your daily fiber. You should be getting 25-30 grams of fiber a day. This will help cleanse your body and keep it healthy!!!

To learn more about the importance of whole grains, click here: http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101

Here are some recipes for cooking with Whole Grains.

and here is a website with a lot more recipes!!
http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/recipes