Alice RD
Today is Whole Grains Sampling Day – a great time to try one (or more) of these delicious cancer-fighting foods.
Whole grain foods are fiber-rich and they promote health in many other ways. But most Americans fall short of the US Dietary Guidelines’ recommendation to make at least half of their grain choices whole grains.
You an explore new choices, one step at a time. Here are some tips I’ve shared with patients and ways that I swap out refined grains for delicious whole grain foods:
If your day typically starts with coffee and a donut or even a white flour bagel:
- At Home: Try a whole wheat tortilla – Spread on some peanut or other nut butter, add banana or apple slices, roll it up and eat it at home or on your way to work or school.
- On Your Way: Choose the oatmeal to go at the coffee shop or fast food drive through. Ask for the nuts, fruit and sugar on the side to keep the calories right for you.
For lunch – whether you bring your own frozen meal or grab a sandwich at the local deli:
- Frozen entrée – take a close look when you’re shopping in the freezer aisle and choose one that includes brown rice.
- Deli sandwich –ask for whole wheat bread or roll; or look for soup that includes barley or wild rice.
Dinner – this can be a great time to gradually add more whole grains for you and your family:
- Spaghetti dinner – cook half whole-wheat thin spaghetti and half white flour spaghetti and top with your favorite sauce.
- Try whole grain muffin or cornbread mixes for a great accompaniment to your stew, soup or salad meal.
Check out our latest Foods that Fight Cancer- Whole Grains, for ways to start replacing your refined grains with whole grains along with recipes and tips for buying and storing them.
What are ways you put whole grains on your plate?
