Nutrition Notes: The whole truth on whole grains

When walking down the bread aisle at a grocery store, the variety of choices can be extremely overwhelming. Each bread type sports different nutrient claims, and descriptions often include the terms "multi-grain," "whole wheat," "white wheat," or "100% wheat." Whole grain foods are important sources of many different nutrients and are also a great source of fiber.Here are some tips to help ease the carbohydrate confusion and help make choosing whole grains easier:The "Whole" PictureWhen searching for whole grain products, look for the word "whole" at the beginning of the ingredient list. Foods that read "multi-grain," "100% wheat," or are brown in color may not always be a true whole grain product.Find the FiberIf the produce provides at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, it is a good source of fiber. If it contains 5 or more grams of fiber, it is an excellent source of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer periods of time.Gluten and Whole-GrainsFor those individuals who cannot consumer gluten, there are many whole grain gluten-free products available on store shelves. Some of these include buckwheat, popcorn, brown rice and quinoa.Make the Switch Nice and EasyIf whole grain products are new to a consumer's diet, then making the switch from white flour to whole wheat flour can be tough. To ease the flavor change, try mixing products such as preparing half brown rice and half white rice. You can do the same with pasta dishes, as well.Below are some tasty recipes to help incorporate more whole grains into your diet:Whole Wheat Pasta with Lemon Trail MixPopcorn with ToppingsQuinoa Crusted Chicken FingersDo you have any favorite whole grain recipes? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter!