Whole Grain "a Go-Go"

I can totally relate to this post on Simple Bites.

Mornings around my house are always a mad dash - preschool, summer camp or wherever we are headed for the day.

That's why the idea of grab-n-go foods is appealing. Don't get me wrong... I welcome a sit down meal with the family any time we can, but the first foods of the day don't always lend themselves to that plan.

The problem with so many "breakfast" bars, cereal bars, whatever you want to call them is that they're high on sugar and low on fiber.

USDA details the benefits of fiber on MyPyramid.gov. In case you're not inclined to make the jump, here's a snip-it of what they have to say:

Why is it important to eat grains, especially whole grains?

Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies.

Health benefits

• Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, as part of a healthy diet, may reduce constipation. 
• Eating at least 3 ounce equivalents a day of whole grains may help with weight management.
• Eating grains fortified with folate before and during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects during fetal development.
• Click here for more information about preventing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

I don't know about you, but for me... those are pretty good reasons to fill your diet with a little more fiber. And if you can do it with a homemade, less processed treat that tastes as good as it looks, I say "go" for it.

~Regan

P.S. If you've been following my chronicle of house woes, let me share that it looks like we WILL be closing on our new home (read: my new kitchen) a week from today. Hip, hip, hooray (and *fingers crossed*)

http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/grains_why_print.html