I am wondering which foods best fit into the "whole grains" category?

Question: I am wondering which foods best fit into the "whole grains" category?

Answer: Whole grain products include breads, pastas, and cereals that are made with 100% whole grain and not with white processed flours. Whole grains are made from the whole kernels of grain, that is both the inside part of the grain and the outer covering. Processed flours remove the outer covering which gives a lighter texture and taste to baked goods but removes a lot of the nutrition and fiber. Enriched breads have some nutrients returned to the bread, so be sure to read the labels when you are shopping.

There isn't much of a difference between 100% whole wheat bread and 100% whole grain bread. According to the USDA Nutrient Database one slice of whole grain, or seven grain bread would have almost identical nutritional value as one slice of whole wheat bread.

There are other sources for whole grains besides breads and pastas. Whole grain foods and flours include 100% whole wheat, brown rice, bulger, corn, buckwheat, oatmeal, spelt, and wild rice. The USDA suggests that each of us get at least three servings of whole grains every day.

Food manufacturers are also using more whole grains in regular kids' cereals and using forms of whole grain flour that are very similar to white bread in texture and taste.

Looking for some easy whole-grain side dishes? Try this recipe for Amaranth Pilaf,or this excellent Wild Rice with Cranberries and Apples which has whole grain goodness, the vitamins of fruits and healthy oils from walnuts.

Read More About Whole Grains
Whole Grains Council