Summer Weight Loss- Week 14

This week’s tip is all about whole grains. From fiber to protein, whole grains got you covered and will keep you full and healthy!

What the hell are whole grains anyways?

Following is the official definition of whole grains, approved and endorsed by the Whole Grains Council in May 2004:

Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts
and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their
original proportions. If the grain has been processed (e.g., cracked,
crushed, rolled, extruded, and/or cooked), the food product should
deliver the same rich balance of nutrients that are found in the
original grain seed.

Below is a complete list of grains…

• Amaranth
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Corn, including whole cornmeal and popcorn
• Millet
• Oats, including oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Rice, both brown rice and colored rice
• Rye
• Sorghum (also called milo)
• Teff
• Triticale
• Wheat, including varieties such as spelt, emmer, farro, einkorn, Kamut®, durum and forms such as bulgur, cracked wheat and wheatberries
• Wild rice

 Okay enough of the introduction, you get it. People tell you alllll the time how awesome whole grains are. Well they are and they are NOT boring guys, you are just not used to them!

I am sure you guys have heard of quinoa the most. The thing about whole grains is that they are way more than carbs, they have fiber and protein. Not only do they keep you full longer, they also are good for digestion and for your heart health. They’re GREAT for diabetics too. Processed carbohydrates like pasta can cause a spike in sugars to your system and then a crash of the sugar levels. Whole grains take longer to break down so you get a more gradual sugar release giving you more sustained energy.

So let’s get real here… some of these may seem weird and scary, but like that quote last week said, “Life begins outside your comfort zone.” So I challenge you guys to try one on this list you have never had before!

I am committed to try and cook farro the very first time!!

How about you? What whole grain would you like to try?