September 2018 is Whole Grains Month
The month of September is recognized as National Whole Grains Month!
Grains are an important source of nutrients, including fiber, B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate) and minerals (iron, magnesium and selenium). B vitamins help the body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates, while Iron carries oxygen in the blood and Magnesium helps build bones and release energy from muscles. Selenium is important for a healthy immune system.
USDA’s MyPlate recommends making half of your daily grain choices whole grain for healthy eating. Try getting your serving of whole grains with this Brown Chicken Rice With Asparagus recipe.
Post this list of “baby-steps” on your fridge, and try as many as possible this month:
- I’ll buy three different loaves of whole-grain bread and taste all of them to see which one we like best.
- I’ll serve bulgur or brown rice instead of potatoes with dinner one night this month.
- I’ll look for the Whole Grain Stamp every time I shop.
- I’ll try a new breakfast cereal with at least 16 grams of whole grain per serving.
- I’ll buy and try some whole-wheat pasta.
- I’ll make pizza with whole wheat pita as the crust.
- I’ll make our favorite cookies with whole wheat flour next time instead of white.
- I’ll serve hamburgers with whole wheat buns this week.
For additional information on the health benefits of whole grains, visit the Whole Grains Council website.