So what’s behind all the hype surrounding whole grains these days? Well, because they are low in fat and good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, whole grains can make a big difference when it comes to your health. In fact, adding whole grains to your diet can help you lose weight.
So, exactly what is a whole grain? It’s a grain that still has its outer covering, which contains the grain’s fiber and many of its vitamins and minerals. Remember, when buying breads and cereals at the grocery store, check the label. If it doesn’t specifically say “whole grain” or “whole wheat,” it’s not the real thing.
Consider taking the following actions to add more whole grains to your diet:
- Choose whole grain varieties of bread, muffins, bagels, and rolls (whole wheat, bran, oatmeal, multigrain)
- Choose a whole grain variety of cereal
- Try whole wheat pancakes and waffles
- For dinner, consider serving whole wheat noodles or brown rice
- Try higher fiber cracker varieties, such as whole rye crackers, whole grain flatbread or multi-grain crackers