Whole Grain Goodness

Delicious, nutritious meals can seem hard to come by. But you don’t have to eat bland foods on a nutrient-filled diet. Creative and convenient options can make for tasty, healthy snacks and main courses.

Watch a family nutrition expert share tips for meal planning with whole grains.

Including grain-based foods as part of a balanced diet can be an essential part of a healthier lifestyle. Yet, research shows most Americans do not meet dietary fiber intake recommendations. Whole grain foods, including buns, rolls, pita and tortillas, help supply dietary fiber, which helps fight belly fat. Grains also provide anti-inflammatory nutrients and can help lower cholesterol levels. Whole and enriched grains supply key vitamins and minerals, such as thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, zinc, selenium and magnesium, and deliver nutrients like iron and folate.

Additionally, enriched grains can play a key role in metabolism by helping the body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates. They are also essential for a healthy nervous system and cognitive development. In fact, the vitamins and minerals in enriched grains, like folic acid, are also critical for reducing the incidence of some birth defects, while also promoting cell function and tissue growth.

These recipes make use of whole-grain wheat bread (one of the easiest ways to incorporate grains in meals).

Grilled Cinnamon French Toast

Bacon-Avocado Sandwich