There is a whole-wheat mystery hidden in the grocery store

As educated shoppers, we have all seen or heard the research that we need to boost the amount of whole grain in our diet regimens. Whole grai
IS very good for you, that is true. The question remains, however, when you trust the super market and labels as you search for them are the whole grains at their best? This answer may amaze you.

Advertisers do a wonderful job of including the all important phrase – whole grain – to catch our attention for healthier choices. It is not that they are deceitful, but that we have not taken the time to read the labels with the mind of a lawyer!

The phrase ‘made with whole grains’ or ‘a good source of whole grain’ makes us have the sense that we are buying items that are all around better for our well-being. The truth is, phrases like these should be read as their precise meaning rather than the key terms of 'whole grain' leaping out at you. As we look at the phrases in the light of ingredients, we will see that very few items are actually completely whole grain on the grocery shelf.

By law, we know there has to be some whole grain in the ingredients, so why not trust the label? When we looking at the ingredient, if the words ‘bleached’ or ‘enriched’ are listed, then the flour that is the most destructive to your colon is still in what you are hoping to have as healthy choice. The label may read, 'made with whole grains' but it does not have to be more than 51% of the flour to be considered a source or made with whole grains.

So, now what are we supposed to do? No one issued me a super special spy booklet or pocket legal dictionary to grocery shop with at the store! What are we to do to get whole grains in our diets? We need to grind our flour from real WHOLE grains, the kernels, of if we want to be healthy and actually have those whole grains at their best.

With as little as 5 simple ingredients, all of which I can spell and pronounce, I am able to make: pita bread, hoagie rolls, burger/hot dog buns, whole wheat bagels, bread for sandwiches, and more! The variety is endless! By the time I've read all the grocery store labels while trying to shop for what’s healthy, I could have made loaf of fresh bread at home – from grinding the wheat kernels to taking it warm, out of the oven.