Today's Daily Challenge Tuesday Oct. 26, 2010



Healthy Behavior


Pick a whole grain food to eat at one meal or as a snack today.


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How to do it


Brown rice, whole wheat bread, popcorn, oatmeal, whole grain pasta, bulgar, and tabouli are just a few whole grain foods you might consider today. For sandwiches, choose wheat or rye bread over white bread. If you like rice, have brown rice instead of white rice. Likewise, if you're into pasta, try whole grain pasta. For an afternoon snack, spread a little peanut butter on 100-percent whole wheat crackers.






Why it matters


Whole grains contain as much as four times more fiber than their refined counterparts, white bread and white rice. Eating whole grains boosts fiber intake, which can aid digestion, help with weight loss, and lower cholesterol. Whole grains have also been linked to a reduced risk of developing some forms of cancer, diabetes, and asthma. When in doubt, check the food label to make sure it says, "100-percent whole wheat" or "100 percent whole grain." If it says "seven grain," "stone-ground," "100 percent wheat," "cracked wheat," or "bran," it is probably not a whole-grain product.