Why I Love Teaching About Whole Grains

I love teaching about whole grains! One reason is the look on people’s faces when they understand the difference between a whole grain and a refined grain. I always use a diagram of a kernel of wheat (like this!). When they see the bran, the germ, and all the nutrients that are removed during processing, it’s like an “ah-ha” moment. I see this when I’m talking to third-graders, grandparents, and everyone in between. Another reason I love this topic is because switching to whole grains is a small change that anyone can make. Swap whole wheat bread for white bread? Can do! Order brown rice instead of white rice? You bet! Small changes are do-able and can add up to a healthier diet in the long run. We have everything you need to share the whole grain message in your classes, individual counseling, cafeteria, waiting room, or health fair. The Go for the Whole Grain poster and banner feature:

• Photographs so people can see what all the different grains look like.
• Information on three common whole grains: whole wheat, oats, and brown rice.
• Information on whole grains that may not be as familiar to people: chia, farro, kamut, and quinoa, just to name a few.
• A wheat kernel illustration showing the parts of a whole grain (for that “ah-ha” moment!).
• Notations showing which whole grains are gluten-free.

Our posters and banners come with copy-ready handouts. Here are 7 examples of lessons they address that make great activities you can use in your classes:

1. Only 8% of Americans eat the recommended amount of whole grains daily.
2. Choose whole grains for nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
3. Health benefits of whole grains: weight management, blood sugar control, lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
4. Recipe & cooking tips. Did you know that the package often has the best recipe and cooking tips?
5. Comparison of whole wheat and white flour. This makes a great touching and interactive demonstration!
6. MyPlate recommendation: Make at least half of your grains whole grains. And make one quarter of your plate whole grains, too!
7. Quiz: How Well Do You Know Whole Grains? Make a fun table full of various whole grains without their packages and see who can guess which ones they are accurately!

Our All About Whole Grains Color Handout Tearpad is a scaled down version of the poster – perfect for people to take home. The Go For the Whole Grain Color Handout Tearpad covers serving sizes and whole grain substitutions, including how much fiber they provide. Use our Whole Grain materials in counseling or classes on:

• Weight control
• Diabetes management
• Cholesterol education
• Cardiac rehab
• General wellness
• Healthy cooking
• Nutrition for families and children
• Nutrition for older adults
• Grocery shopping
• School breakfast and lunch
• MyPlate
• and more!

And don’t forget about our Go For the Whole Grain stickers and bookmarks! How about visiting the school cafeteria one day and giving a sticker to every student who has a whole grain on their tray or in their lunch box?