The low down on grains

Over the years there has been so much hype about carbs and bread, making them seem evil. They aren't you need them to build muscle and stay healthy among other reasons. You just have to make sure you are eating the right kinds! Whole grain is the way to go. It has more fiber, protein and nutrients and is less processed so you feel full longer, therefore you will lose weight. Yah!

People should aim for 5-10 servings of carbs a day (according to Canada's food guide). Sounds like a lot...but the serving amount depends on how much you workout the more you workout the more you need. It also depends on your age and your sex. When choosing breads ensure that the first ingredient is whole wheat flour including the germ. If it doesn't include the germ it's processed and not much better for you than white bread.

When choosing other grain products ensure that it says whole grain oats, rice or pasta. Oats are a staple in my diet. You can do so much with them. You can use them for muffins, granola bars, homemade granola or on their own for hot oatmeal breakfast the list goes on and on. And the bonus of oats that aren't processed is that you really stay full for a long time meaning you don't need to eat as much of them. In turn meaning less calories!

Just be very careful in reading your labels! Aim for products that have the least amount of ingredients and the farther the sugar is from the beginning of the list the less there is. Try to only purchase products with 5 ingredients or less. Some of my favourite carb options include; Kashi Go Lean cereal, Kashi Cinnamon harvest cereal, any of the Kashi granola bars (my current treat is the Raspberry chocolate one, it really makes you feel like you are cheating) http://www.kashi.com/, i also love the spelt flour bread from the European Bakery in Dieppe (they are at the market on Saturdays and are located just behind Canadian Tire).

Remember that the more natural and less processed the product that faster it spoils. So you may need to buy in smaller quantities or freeze your breads. I freeze my wheat germ, flax seeds and bread once it's about 3 days old.