These super grains are not only nutritious but filling. Adding oatmeal, bulgar, brown rice, and quinoa grains into your everyday diet will provide you with that all important substance for health called fiber. Check out the bulk food section of your local mega mart or a health food store to find these grains.
Oatmeal
Everyone has heard of the benefits of oatmeal. Not only is this grain delicious but it is good for your heart. Oatmeal should be eaten in its most natural form whenever possible. If you must eat instant oatmeal from a packet, frankly some oatmeal is better than no oatmeal. If you miss the sweet from packaged oatmeal add in raisins, cranberries, fresh fruit, applesauce, cinnamon, soy milk…the list is endless for additions to your oatmeal. If you need your oatmeal fast, quick cooking oatmeal works great. If you want the best benefit, try steel cut oats, satisfying and oh so healthy for you.
Bulgar
You’ve heard of the tabouli salad that shows up at many picnics but have you ever tried it? When you think of health food tabouli salad is often mentioned. Did you know bulgar, which is the grain in tabouli salad, is a breeze to cook? Boil some hot water, place it in a bowl and cover it with the boiling water, and it’s ready in 20 minutes or less. Great as a cold salad with tomatoes, green onions, olive oil and lemon, the grain can also be used hot the same as rice with your favorite meats and vegetables. Bulgar is easy to make so what’s not to love?
Brown Rice
I know, brown rice takes longer to cook. Is it so hard to cook it longer? Not really, especially if you have a rice cooker handy. The nutty flavor of brown rice is delicious and pairs with every meat and vegetable you use white rice with. Brown rice is not ideal for stir fry, but it easily substitutes for all your other white rice dishes. Brown rice is better for you than white rice, providing the nutritious outer shell of the rice hull. So take a few more minutes and get the nutrition from rice while you eat healthier.
Quinoa
This grain gives oatmeal a run for its money in the good for you department. Quinoa (pronounced “Qin-wah”) is another easily cooked grain that has a nutty flavor to it and can be cooked in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes in the same manner as rice. Quinoa can be served as a breakfast food like oatmeal, or for savory meals much like bulgar and rice. Quinoa is gluten free, quinoa flour can also be used for gluten-free baking. Quinoa is considered a complete protein source the same as oats, providing fiber and high in magnesium and iron. With a protein content of 12% to 18%, quinoa is a super food you will want to add to your healthy diet.
