If you’re not on the Whole grain band wagon yet, then you need to get on!
Whole grains are essential and necessary to a well-balanced diet. Unlike refined grains like white rice and flour where the bran and germ is removed through milling, whole grains are more nutritious and SUPERIOR.
Whole grains are considered complex carbs that are slowly digested in the body making them low gycemic and diabetic friendly. The superior grains are low in fat and contain nutritional benefits from antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, fiber, selenium, potassium, magnesium and more.
Whole grains are great for everyone but especially important for athletes. Carbs are essential for providing energy to the body, leading to optimum workouts and endurance. Due to the high fiber content found in whole grain products, they are great for weight loss because they can create a filling feeling for a longer period of time.
Next time you shop for whole grain products, make sure to pay attention to the labels and nutrition facts. In 2005, the WHOLE GRAIN STAMP was introduced. These stamps are helpful in telling you if the product is truly “whole” and how many grams of grains and fiber is in each serving. When choosing a brand, make sure that “whole grains” are at the top of the list and that each serving contains 3 grams or more.
Here are a few of my FAVORITE WHOLE GRAINS!
Old Wessex Ltd. 5 Grain Cereal
You will always find this brand in my pantry. I love using this brand for my protein pie concoction. This 5 Grain Cereal contains interesting textures and flavors of grains like barley, oats and flax.
Ezekiel Sprouted Bread
After doing extensive research the best whole grain breads to add to my diet, I came across this brand that so many spoke highly of. I decided to give it a try and sure enough, it tasted amazing. Not only is this bread low fat and high in fiber, but it also contains high amounts of protein. It’s nutty delicious flavor makes any sandwich scrumptious! I love topping it with some turkey, avocado and tomato.
Wasa Fiber Crackers
35 calories per slice, this cardboard flavored cracker is great for people watching their figure and calories. I like to spread some peanut butter and sugar free jam on it and snack away.
Minute Ready to Serve Brown Rice
I think I have most of my friends hooked on this flavorful whole grain rice. It’s flavored with the perfect amount of safflower oil and packs 170 calories per cup. There’s also a $1 OFF coupon inside for the next time you purchase. I love this brand because it’s Ready to Serve so I only need to zap it for a minute and my lunch is ready. My lunch is usually a cup of brown rice, 3oz lean meat and lots of steamed veggies.
Healthy Harvest Pasta
Healthy Harvest has a variety of pastas to choose from. I love making a low fat version of Mac & Cheese with the spirals! Key word is “low fat”. Healthy Harvest brand contains is infused with nutritious B Vitamins, Folic acid and over 10 grams of protein per serving. Some of their brands also contain Omega 3 and Flax.
So the next time you grocery shop, instead of picking up that refined, bright white WONDER BREAD, why not choose a healthier whole grain option instead and do your body and bowels good.
What are some of your other favorite whole grains?
Love,
Ghada.
