Super Nourishing Energy Grains

Written By: Rosemary Seguin CNP, NNCP

Do you ever feel tired or sluggish during the day or perhaps your brain is a little “foggy” and you’re unable to concentrate mid afternoon?  

Do you eat bread, bagels, crackers, pasta, rice or cereal?

Do you check the ingredients to see what these foods are made of?

Are they made from whole grains that are unrefined or with white wheat flour that is refined and processed and void of most nutrients?

If you answered yes to the later, then pay attention because I’m talking to you!

When we consume refined, processed grains like white bread, white flour, white rice, white pasta and most boxed cereals they behave like sugar when we eat them. This causes an imbalance in our blood sugar levels, causing them to rise and then drop quickly to below normal levels. This fluctuation in our blood sugar causes cravings, weight gain, mood swings and that ever so popular “crash” making us feel tired, sluggish and unable to concentrate and be productive.

You know what I’m talking about, especially mid-afternoon once you’ve had your lunch full of refined carbohydrates.       

So what can you do about this? Well, there is such a thing I like to call “Energy Grains”. These are the grains that are filled with nutrients, keep you full longer because they are loaded with fiber and give you the energy you need to make it through the day!

 I’m going to share with you my top 5 grains, that are rich in nutrients, taste great and are easy to find and incorporate into your diet!

     1)   Brown Rice

Of all the grains this is the least allergenic and is gluten free. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, B1, B3, B6, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and selenium and is very beneficial for the nervous and digestive system.

Rule of thumb:

Long grain is better in the summer as it keeps you cool, short grain is better in the fall and winter as it keeps you warm.

     2)   Kamut

This grain is related to wheat but contains more protein, vitamins and minerals. It’s a good source of fiber, B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and selenium. It’s also a source of essential fatty acids.

     3)   Millet

This is one of my all time favourites and my kids too. It’s a very nourishing grain that is easy to digest and is a great energy booster! It’s a great source of Protein, fiber, B1, B2, B3, B6, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. We have it most mornings for breakfast as a porridge. It’s a fantastic way to start off your day. It’s also great as a mid afternoon snack!

     4)   Quinoa

This rediscovered ancient grain is an excellent source of complete protein, fiber, folate, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and fatty acids. It’s very easy to digest and has a fluffy, creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. It’s an excellent replacement for rice or couscous and cooks just like rice but in only 10-12min!

     5)   Spelt

This grain is a cousin to wheat but is much easier to digest and for those sensitive to wheat they can usually tolerate spelt very well. It’s high in minerals like manganese, copper and zinc and rich in protein and fiber. Spelt has been known to help conditions such as constipation, colitis and poor digestion. It’s the only grain that is known to stimulate the immune system. 

So next time you go to The Garden Basket, try to stay away from the white, over processed, refined grains and look for these super healthy energy boosting, nourishing grains! The Garden Basket carries them all and in a variety of ways like breads, pastas, cereals, flours, whole grains, pizza crusts, bread crumbs and cookies. Once you try them, you’ll never look back!

Happy Shopping!