Healthy eating habits start with variety...
that means eating from different food groups and avoiding too much of one thing.
The amount and type of carbs we need are a subject of much debate, consuming some form of carbohydrates is essential to provide energy to our bodies. Planning your menus or shopping will save time and reduce waste, and formost people, one portion of starchy carbohydrates each day is sufficient.
Starchy carbs contains calcium, iron and B-Vitamins. and are also important for the fibre they provide... skin-on potatoes and wholegrains are good!
Why starchy carbohydrates?
There's so much misinformation about food around, particularly carbs which have a reputation as stodgy comfort food that should be avoided. The reality is starchy carbohydrates should be your main source of energy in a balanced diet.
What about grains?
Grains such as oats and barley are a good source of nutrients which we all need and increased consumption can help with:
- Lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol
- Contains fibre
- Provide B-vitamins which are good for the central nervous system, the skin and eyes, and helps to release energy from the foods we eat.
Oats and barley are considered a sustainable food with much of what we might eat being grown across the UK. This means fewer food miles - the distance from farm to plate - meaning less cost and environmental impact.
How ?
- Choose wholegrain cereals for breakfast, porridge, banana oaty pancakes or try some overnight oats.
- Make a pasta salad or a rice box for those lunches at work.
- If you have a thing for bread, try different kinds such as seeded, granary or wholemeal.
- Add oats to your potatoes for a crunchy topping on cottage pie or oat crusted salmon.
- Consider couscous as an alternative to rice for your next chilli-con-carne or curry.
There's only one thing to remember... it's all about balance.
*Look for products labelled 'gluten-free' if you have an intolerance to grains/gluten.