Delicious and nutritious whole grain samples offered at Washington Pediatrics

 From Washington Pediatrics

We’re not fooling! Put Whole Grain Sampling Day, today, on your calendar right now so you don’t miss out on trying delicious whole grains like faro, risotto, creamy oatmeal, crusty 100-percent whole wheat bread, quinoa salad or a fresh burrito with brown rice. On this single day, restaurants, supermarkets, cafeterias and even food trucks across the nation are offering a multitude of special promotions and low-cost or no-cost whole grain items and you won’t want to miss a bite.

Washington Pediatrics will be joining dozens of restaurants, businesses, healthcare organizations and retailers throughout the country and around the world by providing recipes, facts, free samples and while supplies last, a whole grain gift to take home. “Researchers continue to find benefits to eating whole grains, recently finding indications that eating whole grains can reduce risk of premature death,” said Washington Pediatrics’ Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Andrea Nikolai. “If you are struggling to eat more whole grains in your family, start with whole wheat or corn tortillas or whole wheat pancakes. They have been found to be some of the most accepted forms of whole grains by adolescents and teens. Popcorn and oatmeal are two other whole grains we sometimes forget about. Today at Washington Pediatrics, we will be providing samples of another easily available option in a family-friendly recipe. I’m looking forward to being involved with this world-wide event to help people find more ways to try whole grains.”

Organized by Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grain Council (WGC), last year’s celebration prompted millions of Americans to taste a whole lot of delicious, healthy whole grains and the momentum continues for this fourth annual event in 2015.

“From supermarkets to restaurants, there are plenty of places to sample and explore new whole grains on Whole Grain Sampling Day. We think one delicious taste will convince you to put more nutritious whole grains on your plate,” said Cynthia Harriman, director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Whole Grains Council and Oldways. “And remember, gluten-free doesn’t mean grain free — even those following a gluten-free diet can enjoy grains such as amaranth, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, sorghum, teff, and wild rice.”

Studies show that switching to whole grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases. While benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced risks from as little as one serving daily — so every whole grain helps. The latest health research presented during Oldways’ and the Whole Grains Council’s recent Whole Grains: Breaking Barriers Conference supported the importance of whole grain consumption and clarified myths around gluten-free and grain-free diets.

To take advantage of one of these special promotions and sampling events, visit the Whole Grain Sampling Day page of the WGC website where all activities and opportunities are being listed, as partners provide specifics.

Everyone is encouraged to join in the whole grain conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #SampleWholeGrains.

Washington Pediatrics, P.A., has served children and their families in Beaufort and the surrounding counties since 1955. Currently employing five board-certified pediatricians, a physician assistant, a family nurse practitioner, two staff psychologists and a dietitian, the staff specializes in the management of well and sick infants and children through age 18 years.

About Oldways and the Whole Grains Council
Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. The Whole Grains Council (WGC), an Oldways program, has been working since 2003 to increase consumption of whole grains for better health, and in 2005 introduced the Whole Grain Stamp, now used on more than 10,000 products in 42 countries. The WGC’s many initiatives help consumers to find whole grain foods and understand their health benefits; help manufacturers and restaurants to create delicious whole grain foods; and help the media to write accurate, compelling stories about whole grains. You can learn more about both at http://www.oldwayspt.org and http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org.