Every two weeks we will choose a different ingredient to feature: from fruits to protein, grains to spices and more, we will give you a list of recipes, fun facts and an informational video about that ingredient. We'll give you a quick overview of this ingredient, and explain why it is a great choice to add to your cooking and snacking repertoire!
Visit our "Let's Eat Healthy" archive here and explore all of our previous featured ingredients.
Fun Facts:
Health Benefits of Whole Grains
- Grains are important sources of many nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.
- Consuming foods rich in fiber reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces constipation, and promotes a healthy weight.
- Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel – the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains have been stripped of the bran and germ to improve shelf life, but this process removes the dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins
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Good Carbs vs. No Carbs
Although there is some evidence that a low-carb diet may help people lose weight more quickly than a low-fat diet, the results are short term. This is because any diet that cuts out entire food groups, such as fruits and vegetables, is not sustainable. Once normal eating patterns are resumed, the lost weight begins to creep back on.
Many popular diet programs treat all carbs the same. If you are looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, you should eliminate refined carbohydrates and sugar and replace them with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Some examples of hidden refined carbs:
- Sugary cereals. Try to choose cereals that have more than 5 grams of fiber per serving.
- Bread. Make sure your loaf says “whole grain” and has 4-5 grams of fiber per serving.
- Yogurt. Many are loaded with sugar, so look for unsweetened varieties and add fruit to sweeten.
- Sauces and dressings. Always read the label to avoid adding sugar-laden sauces to healthy meals.
Credits:
Created with images by Engin_Akyurt - "pasta plate dough" • FotoshopTofs - "breads cereals oats"