Several of my coworkers talked to me about my post yesterday. They thought it would be nearly impossible to consistently eat nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Hard, but not impossible.
Some raised the point about cost. Yes, there is an additional cost to eating healthy. But what is the cost of not eating this way? When you approach it like this, then I think you come to the realization that eating healthier is the way to go. The cost is worth it.
For those that are still wondering how they can do it, I have a recommendation. Start taking Daily Bio Basics. It’s what I do, and I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of taking this supplement every day. It has 100% of the daily values of vitamins and minerals. It has over half the daily value of fiber you need to support your health. It contains phytonutrients from 35 fruits and vegetables and twenty different herbs. You can learn more about it here.
OK, on to the main part of my post today: Grains, Nuts and Seeds🙂
Grains: Not all grains are alike. Most of the grains we eat have been highly processed, and it’s important to start making the shift to whole grains. So, just what is a whole grain? Basically, a whole grain is the entire seed of a plant. Every seed has three key parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. Refining normally removes the bran and the germ, leaving only the endosperm.
Without the bran and germ, about 25% of a grain’s protein is lost, along with at least seventeen key ingredients. Whole grains are healthier, providing more protein, fiber, and many important vitamins and minerals.
3-5 servings a day is what the experts suggest we eat. Every bit of whole grain we eat contributes to our health. Even small amounts make a positive impact, so start looking for ways to add whole grains to your diet. A great website to check out comes from the Whole Grains Council. Their site is loaded with information, recipes, and other resources to help you eat more grains.
Nuts and Seeds: Although nuts are high in total fat, it is the most healthy, monounsaturated fat which may help lower your blood cholesterol.
Nuts are not a low-calorie food, but adding nuts to your diet may help you eat less and manage your weight. One important point: You have to consume nuts in small portions. A small handful is all you need. I love nuts, and portion size is hard for me. I’d like to eat the whole container of almonds, or peanuts, or, my childhood favorite, cashews.
Seeds are also great for you, but only in moderation because of their fat content. They are loaded with protein. Flaxseeds are great, as are pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Seeds are easy to add to your diet. Just sprinkle about three teaspoons on your cereal or yogurt and you’ve got what you need for the day.
