Grain products still part of a healthy diet; Nutrition Final Edition

• Published in: Spectator (Hamilton. 1994)
• Main Author: Senson, Christine
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hamilton, Ont Torstar Syndication Services, a Division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited 02.01.2002
• ISSN: 1189-9417

It may seem like a lot of food, but 5-12 servings of grain products is not as much as you may think. Remember that "servings" should not be confused with "helpings" or "portions." One serving of grain products is considered to be one slice of bread, 3/4 cup of hot cereal, 30g of cold cereal, 1/2 a bagel, pita, or roll, or 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta. For example, if you ate two cups of cooked spaghetti, you would be getting four servings of grain products. There is a likely explanation for the myth that grain products are fattening. It is what we add to our foods that increases their calories and fat content. For example, the butter, margarine, or mayonnaise that we may put on bread adds calories and fat. We often make pasta less healthy by adding rich cream and cheese sauces or too much oil. Be aware of how much fat you are adding to grain products.