Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains- Here's the deal

It's been a week now that I have cut out all refined and enriched grains out of my diet..GO ME :-). Simply- this means anything white (white bread, white pasta, cookies, cake...etc). You ask why? Well besides the fact that its a no brainer that whole grains are much more nutritious , here is the simple low down I found from the Mayo Clinic :

"Grains, especially whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates and some key vitamins and minerals. Grains are also naturally low in fat. All of this makes grains a healthy option. Better yet, they've been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers and other health problems.

The healthiest kinds of grains are whole grains. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that at least half of all the grains you eat are whole grains. Chances are you eat lots of grains already. But are they whole grains? If you're like most, you're not getting enough whole grains in your diet. See how to make whole grains a part of your healthy diet.

Types of grains

Also called cereals, grains and whole grains are the seeds of grasses cultivated for food. Grains and whole grains come in many shapes and sizes, from large kernels of popcorn to small quinoa seeds.

• Whole grains. These are unrefined grains that haven't had their bran and germ removed by milling. Whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. Whole grains are either single foods, such as brown rice and popcorn, or ingredients in products, such as buckwheat in pancakes or whole wheat in bread.
• Refined grains. Refined grains are milled, a process that strips out both the bran and germ to give them a finer texture and extend their shelf life. The refining process also removes many nutrients, including fiber. Refined grains include white flour, white rice, white bread and degermed cornflower. Many breads, cereals, crackers, desserts and pastries are made with refined grains, too.
• Enriched grains. Enriched means that some of the nutrients lost during processing are added back in. Some enriched grains are grains that have lost B vitamins added back in — but not the lost fiber. Fortifying means adding in nutrients that don't occur naturally in the food. Most refined grains are enriched, and many enriched grains also are fortified with other vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron. Some countries require certain refined grains to be enriched. Whole grains may or may not be fortified"

You know it hasn't been that difficult. I cook at home most of the time anyways so I just shop smart. Its crazy to me though that most restaurants don't offer much whole grain options. I went out to dinner with my girlfriend last week and out of the 15 appetizers offered not one thing I could eat!! And of course the bread and butter before dinner--- well thats out. But you know what? Not only has this allowed me to make smarter choices with my starch and carbohydrate intake its forcing me to snack less. For instance I survived Friday night which consisted of drinking debaucheries and of course late night munichies. So i had a handful of nuts, string cheese and an apple with peanut butter and it was surprisingly delicious and filling!!! 

Now I am a little concerned about one thing...PIZZA. I love pizza,  all kinds...thin crust, deep dish, veggie, cheese, hawaiian you name it!! So I decided I just can't give it up, and thats ok . But I'm not just going to have any kind of pizza, I will be smart with my pizza and picky. Choose only the places that use the freshest and most local ingredients (and where wheat is available , well duh I'll choose wheat crust). If I commit to sticking with whole grains , then having that slice won't have the long term affect since its such a small part of my overall grain intake.

I'm going to start researching and trying out different types of grains, seeds, nutritionally packed starches so stay tuned for some delicious (or not so delicious lol) recipes. Quinoa anyone? 

-E

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204