If whole grain cooking conjures up images of brick-like bread and bowl upon bowl of steel cut oats, think again. Cooking with whole grains is easy, nutritious, and fun.
Why You Should Be Serving Whole Grain Food
Some common whole grain foods include:
- Wheat berries (ground, sprouted, or cracked)
- Corn (think corn bread and popcorn)
- Oats
- Wild Rice
- Barley
- Rice
- Buckwheat
These grains provide many anti-oxidants and phytonutrients that can be found nowhere else. They are also excellent sources of vitamins and iron. Whole grains help maintain a normal blood sugar level, foster digestive health, and may help mop up excess triglycerides circulating in the blood stream. Researchers publish new results almost daily that suggest one of the best things you can do for your body is to supply it with a diet rich in whole grains.
Everyday Cooking With Whole Grains
You are probably preparing whole grain meals (good for you!) without even knowing it. If you serve oatmeal, enjoy popcorn or a wild rice pilaf, you are already well on your way to eating more whole grain foods. By sprinkling a ½ cup of oats into your meatloaf recipe or by substituting whole white wheat flour for half of your pancake recipe’s flour measurement, you can greatly increase your family’s health and vitality. Experiment with new recipes or variations; you may be pleasantly surprised at the welcome reception they will receive at meal time.
Next time you visit the grocery store, take a moment to check out all of the whole grain products available to you. Eat healthy by including whole grains in your menu planning.