The Best Grains to Eat

Grains help fuel the body due to their abundance of carbohydrates, fiber, and other essential B vitamins. There are three types of grains: Whole grains, Enriched grains, and Refined grains 

Whole Grains

• Include all parts and nutrients found in grain

• Best type of grain to consume

Enriched Grains

• Processed to remove all fiber and most nutrients

• Replenished with some nutrients and vitamins

• Lacks fiber

Refined Grains

• Processed to remove all fiber and most nutrients

• Lacks essential nutrients & lacks fiber

• Examples include white bread and white rice

Overall, at least 50% of your grain intake should come from whole grain foods. 

It is perfectly alright to eat enriched & refined grains as long as you are also consuming whole grains in your diet.

Here’s a list of whole grain foods to buy:

• Brown Rice

• Oatmeal

• Popcorn

• Whole-wheat flour

• Whole-grain cereal

• Whole-wheat bread

• Whole-wheat pasta

• Whole-wheat crackers

• Quinoa

• Wild Rice, Red Rice, or Black Rice

• Anything containing barley, bulgur, or millet

SHOPPING TIP: The word “whole grain” is almost always at the beginning of the ingredients list on all whole grain foods. This simple trick should minimize confusion and help make your grocery shopping easier!