A Whole Grain Makeover

Recently, Jordan School District has started increasing the amount of whole grain products offered to students. The Nutrition Services Department has experimented with recipes and conducted many taste testing opportunities to find whole grain blends that taste appealing to students, but still gives them the beneficial fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. For example, all breads used for lunches are at least a 50% whole grain blend. What does a 50% whole grain blend mean? It means that 50% of the flour used to make a product is whole grain and the other 50% is regular white flour. Whole grain flour is also used in our cookies made at the schools, excluding snicker doodles and sugar cookies. However, be careful not to share our little secret with your child because they have not yet detected a difference in our treats. Our pizza vendor, 5-Buck Pizza, has also started now using a whole grain blend for their pizza crust. The Nutrition Services Department has been pleased with students’ acceptance of our whole grain products.
We would like to emphasize the fact that it is important to remember that eating habits start at home. Children are more accepting of familiar foods that that they see their parents’ eat. The schools may provide the students healthy foods for breakfast and lunch, but it is up to your student to choose to eat it. As such, try a variety of whole grain products at home to help your child develop good dietary habits that will enhance their school performance and last a lifetime.

Nutrition

Although most parents know whole grains are more nutritious then refined grains (i.e. white rice, enriched flour, etc.), do you know why whole grains are better? Whole grains are good sources of B vitamins, Magnesium, and Fiber. (Click on each nutrient to read more about them.) Grains that are refined have their nutrients and fiber striped from the grain kernel. Sometimes vitamins and minerals are added to refined grains in a process called enriching, to help replace those that were lost. However, consuming a whole grain will ensure all vitamins, minerals, and fiber will be naturally provided.

What  to Look For

Marketer’s can mislead consumers into thinking their product is whole grain by using terms like, “Multigrain,” “Stone Ground,” “Organic” or “High in Fiber.” Don’t be confused. A product is only whole grain if the first ingredient in the ingredient’s list says “Whole” or “Whole Grain”. If the second ingredient is a whole grain, then the product is made from a whole grain blend. For more information about whole grains (nutrition, cooking tips, recipes, and resources) visit the following website: www.wholegrainscounsel.org

Article by:
Vanessa Richards,  USU Dietetic Intern