Healthy grains for a healthy life

The importation thing to remember about whole grains is that they provide good sources of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Whole grains are low in fat and can be prepared and eaten in a variety of ways.

But in our fast-paced lives, it is much easier to grab something on the go. Unfortunately, most fast food options seldom offer nutritional benefits like those found in whole grains. Most busy people are not planning what to eat before they go shopping, which leads to poor food choices at the grocery store.

So, what does this mean to you and how can you get more healthy whole grains into your diet? There are some very easy ways that you can take action today, and with very little time and effort, which will give you immediate benefits.

• Always check the label for the word "whole grain." If it lists any variations, then it is not the real thing.
• Check that the hot or cold breakfast cereal you eat contains at least 4 g of fibre per serving and lists whole grain among the ingredients.
• There are a variety of breads, bagels, muffins, and rolls that contain whole wheat, bran, oatmeal, and multigrains, which offer great nutritional value.
• Store-bought pancakes and waffles are available in whole grain versions that offer much more nutritional value than other highly enriched wheat alternatives.
• Whole rye crackers, flat breads, or multigrain crackers offer great sources of high fibre for your diet.

Marlene Veloso