The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that half of our daily grain intake should be whole grains. Only 2% of adults meet this guideline. Do you?
Whole grains – whole wheat, barley, sprouted grains, bulgur, amaranth, teff, quinoa, popcorn, brown rice and oatmeal -–add fiber, minerals, and B vitamins to your diet. They provide satiety, which helps you feel fuller longer and aids in weight loss. Whole grains lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and protect against heart disease. The fiber in whole grains provides food for your intestinal bacteria which helps support your healthy immune system.
How can you increase your whole grain intake?
If you are a diehard white bread lover, try whole wheat white bread. It is made from a wheat variety that is softer and less chewy than traditional whole wheat.
Buy whole wheat pasta, bread, rolls, pretzels and crackers.
Switch to brown rice.
Snack on popcorn.
Buy whole grain cereals, crackers, chips and cookies. Did you know graham crackers are whole grain? Look for the whole grain symbol on the package.
Eat more oatmeal.
Try barley soup.
Use quinoa instead of rice or potatoes.
Try sprouted grain breads.
