Give Me the Whole Thing!

Bite This: September is Whole Grains month!

TGIF amirite?! It’s been a while since I stopped by, so I thought I’d pop in with a little nutrition information for you. In fact, I just learned that September is Whole Grains month! Who knew?!

Whole grains are an excellent source of nutrients including fiber and are better for you than refined white flour. Whole grains include whole wheat breads, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa and barley to name a few.

Whole grains contain B vitamins which are important for metabolism and energy, and fiber which is critical for your digestive tract to work properly. They even contain more protein and we’ve talked about protein a time or two. For example, quinoa and teff both contain complete proteins. (Remember what a complete  protein is?) Whole grains also contain antioxidants like selenium and phytonutrients as well!

The difference between whole grains and refined grains is that whole grains include the whole grain. Ha – who knew? Whole grains include the bran and the germ as well as the endosperm. The bran is what provides most of the fiber.

Even if a product says “whole wheat” or “whole grain”, it still may not be 100% whole grain. Make sure the first ingredient on the list says “whole _.”

And if you’re saying to yourself that you cannot eat grains because you’re avoiding gluten, the good news is that you can!!  Quinoa, teff, amaranth, buckwheat, corn, and rice are all gluten free, you lucky ducks!

What kinds of whole grains do you eat? How do you feel about them?

Sound bite: Next time you are enjoying a tasty snack or sandwich that involves grains, make sure it is a whole grain!