Seven Ways to Get Whole Grains in Your Diet

Seven Ways to Get Whole Grains in Your Diet

Most grains, once ground into a flour act like sugar in the body. As you may have already learned on your own or heard during the fast growing debate for consuming less processed flour, this can cause weight gain and an imbalance of blood- sugar. So when trying to take in your daily grain opt for whole kernels, they are much better for your health.

1.      The first step is to choose whole- kernel grains whenever possible. Examples of whole grains: wild rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat groats, whole wheat berries and hulled barley. These are termed unbroken grains. Another option is steel cut oats.  Because they are unbroken they are more filling and slower to digest giving you a gratifying feeling of fullness.

2.      Attempt to eat more sprouted grains. Sprouting grains are easier to digest and higher in protein which help to control the degree the grains sugars are metabolized.

3.      When baking try supplementing flour with nuts or seed meals. Great alternatives include: flax, coconut, almonds and cashews. Nuts can be higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates so look to this as a wonderful substitute.

4.      When shopping look for labels that state what you’re buying is “whole grain.”  This means the entire grain must be present. 

5.      If you’re choosing gluten free don’t do so excessively. Remember everything in moderation. A lot of gluten free goods do not contain fiber and contain a great deal of sugar that the body does not need.

6.      As hard as it may sound, try going without flour. This will help stabilize blood sugars and restore the natural balance of the body.

7.      And lastly, contemplate removing grains from your diet completely. There is actually no requirement for grains in your diet. By doing this you will allow for more whole leafy greens and vegetables into your diet.