Time to go with the Grain?

Is it time for you to make the change to healthier and more filling wholegrains?

Wholegrains can benefit your health by reducing the risk of heart disease by up to 30%

Wholegrains are also linked to decrease risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer

They are much more filling than other types of carbohydrates and we all know that when we are more satisfied with the food we have planned to eat we are less likely to slip and indulge in unplanned snacking

So how could we increase the amount of wholegrains we eat? Well firstly we need to know what foods are classified as wholegrains?

• Barley
• Buckwheat Corn,
• Bulgur
• Millet
• Oats
• Oatmeal
• Popcorn
• Quinoa
• Rice Brown, Black, Red or Wild
• Whole corn – Cornmeal
• Wholegrain Rye Flour (Pumpernickel)
• Whole Wheat (bread, pasta or crackers)

Ideally you should be including some wholegrains at each meal

Breakfast – Wholegrain cereal or porridge for breakfast, add some fruit and you can get in one of your 5-a-day too.

Lunch – You could try mixing the rice (as above) pasta (as above) into your salad or soup. Or even mix your fruit with oats and yoghurt as a tasty dessert.

Dinner – For your evening meal try to include Wholewheat pasta or brown rice, also try Bulgar wheat in Risottos or Pilaff Rice.

Snacks – If you fancy a snack go for Wholewheat crackers or oatcakes – add some low fat soft cheese if you like.

We all know our shopping is vital to your weight loss success so when shopping – look for products which say ‘whole’ or ‘wholegrain’ before the name of the grain.

And just remember when we do go with more wholegrains not only does it benefit our weight loss but also our health and if you introduce it into your families eating then they will reap the health benefits too.

Just use your brain and go with the grain!

jackie and sonya