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| Recognize this sauce? Neither do I... |
This is some sort of ravioli covered in a ricotta-tomato based sauce with canned green beans and some Parmesan cheese. I honestly don't remember how good or bad this was, but it's not something you'd put in a food photography magazine for sure. This is what happens when you try and get creative with boring food. I think the ravioli was whole-wheat cheese filled.
Now let's talk about whole-wheat, and whole grains really, and the pros and cons:
Pros: it's better for you, it's heartier, whole grains are healthy, they add texture and they fill you up more
Cons: the taste can be somewhat lacking at times, it's not a colorful item, microwaves as well as a Frisbee, doesn't make a good pizza crust, also not suitable for pie crust I'm guessing
Now, I have become a whole grain (wheat, rye, etc.) advocate this year. Whole grains are better for your heart, cholesterol and is a great source of fiber. Now some people I know like to get their whole grains via something we all enjoy called beer. While beer is indeed a form of whole grains, the nutritional value is a notch above donuts and bacon. Here's how can you get your whole grains everyday:
1. Whole-wheat bread. It's better than white bread and holds up better under duress (i.e. condiments and the toaster). Plus it's a great source of fiber, while white bread is a great source of empty calories.
Translation: Turkey sandwich on wheat; not roast beef on white
2. Wild & brown rice. Uncle Ben (or Ben's) has a brown rice microwaveable pouch which is pretty edible and takes 90 seconds to cook. Substitute that for white rice and you'll be good to go.
Translation: grilled shrimp and wild & brown rice; not pepper steak over white rice
3. Whole-wheat flour. Yep. If you like the sweets, then substitute some whole-wheat flour. It's good for cookies, cakes & other baked goods (sans pizza crusts). A chocolate chip cookie with whole-wheat flour and dark chocolate chips is almost as good as your traditional slice and bake cookie from the tube.
Translation: homemade goodness; not processed sketchiness
So basically I've covered your lunch, dinner and dessert there with whole grains.
Breakfast, you ask? Eat a banana. Don't forget to eat your fruits and veggies (hint: it saves room for beer).
