Monday, February 16, 2009

The Amazing Wheat Berry

By Scott Davis

We have forgotten in our modern cities what soil looks like, what it is to plunge our "refined" hands into the moist earth and reap the fertile results.

But there has been a resurgence reminding us of the importance of whole foods. Reminding us of simpler times when people didn't eat overly processed foods. This whole foods revival has reminded us that things like whole wheat berries, the fancy name for whole wheat kernels, contain a more complete set of nutrients.

Remembering the Old Healthy Ways

Whole wheat berries come in several varieties. Both hard and soft wheat berries can be used for baking and in every day foods. These wheat berries are filled with fiber, iron and vitamins B and C. They can be cooked and eaten whole, which is great for breakfasts or salads. Wheat berries can also be milled into healthy whole wheat flour. Then you can use that flour to make cakes, pastas, cookies or whatever.

Just be Creative

While it may be strange to start cooking with whole grains initially, with a little creativity you'll be on your way. There are tons of whole foods recipes to choose from. Just pick something that suits your fancy and that your family can enjoy. Getting children who are accustomed to processed foods eating whole foods may be difficult as your getting started. But starting children eating whole foods at a young age will get them into good habits while they are still young.

Eating Whole Foods Regularly

This is the point where the whole foods junkies tend to scare people away by telling them that they should use whole grain foods and nothing else. This approach tends to seem a little extreme, especially for someone who is just starting to incorporate whole foods into their diet. Adding more whole foods to your diet is something that can be done gradually. It doesn't have to be a shocking, immediate switch. Start by switching white bread for wheat bread. Start cooking with whole wheat flour. Slowly as you become more and more accustom to cooking with whole foods, it will get easier.

Let's Visit The Pyramid

According to the Food Pyramid you should have 6 to 11 servings of whole wheat every day. While that may seem like a lot, you should realize that 1 slice of bread or a half cup of grain or pasta each count as a single serving. So adding more whole grains in to your meals really isn't that hard.

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