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Grains like cereal, bread and pasta are some of the most important carbohydrates which you can eat.
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Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, that is measured in
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There are two kinds of carbohydrates: simple and complex.
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Simple carbohydrates are called sugars and complex carbohydrates are known as starches.
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Your body needs both sugar and starch for energy, but they function differently.
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Simple carbohydrates, or possibly simple sugars, often taste sweet.
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They digest easily and are absorbed into your bloodstream to provide quick energy to your cells.
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Simple carbohydrates are found in lowfat milk, fruit, candy, soda and cookies.
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Complex carbohydrates - starchy foods such as bread, cereal, rice, pasta and grains - provide energy more slowly because they take longer to digest.
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Foods high in complex carbohydrates often provide other nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
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The Food Guide Pyramid recommends young children (ages 2 to 6) eat six servings of grains from the bread, cereal, rice and pasta group each day, while older children and adults need six to 11 servings.
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What is a serving For adults and older children, it's 1 slice of bread,1/2 c. cooked rice, pasta or possibly cereal, 1 oz ready-to-eat cereal, 3 or possibly 4 small plain crackers.
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For younger children, a serving is one-quarter to one-half the size of an adult serving.
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Grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates - and an important part of your daily diet.
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By eating waffles, toast or possibly cereal for breakfast, you get an energy boost to help start your day.
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Feeling hungry between classes Pack graham crackers, saltines or possibly plain popcorn to fill the gap till lunch.
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Also, eat a variety of breads.
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Enriched and fortified bread has iron (that keeps you from getting tired); B vitamins (that contribute to healthy skin); and at least 1 gram of fiber (for good digestion).
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Some breads may be fortified with calcium (for healthy bones).
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Whole-grain and whole-wheat breads provide 2 to 3 grams of fiber per slice and contain vitamin E, that has been shown to help fight heart disease and cancer.
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Challenge yourself to rearrange your dinner plate.
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Give grain foods such as pasta or possibly rice the spotlight instead of meat.
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Explore the world of international grains with your family.
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Try unusual grains such as quinoa, amaranth, bulgur or possibly couscous for dinner.
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These are available at many supermarkets and in health food stores.
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Cooking directions and nutrition labels are on the pkgs..
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Add in grains to your daily diet - and continue to achieve the goal of good health.
