Become a Grainiac
A Grainiac is a maniac for grains, someone absolutely crazy about getting lots of healthful fiber in their diet every day. Which is very sane thinking. The National Cancer Institute and American Diabetes Association recommend routine consumption of high fiber foods for good health, with 20-35 grams suggested each day for adults. Shapers fans are fortunate because these whole grain chips deliciously deliver a full 18 or 19 grams per serving (depending on which flavor). For kids, the general recommendation is for their fiber intake to be equal to their age plus 5 (so a 5-year old needs 10 grams per day).
The Mayo Clinic reminds us that grains are called "the staff of life" because of their importance to human survival as well as to choose whole grains over refined grains because they are even better for you. With whole grains, you get more fiber and other important nutrients, plus they're good sources of complex carbohydrates that are naturally low in fat. (what's the source? - I quickly checked Mayo Clinic site and didn't see anything.)
Other than Shapers, good whole grain choices include barley, brown rice, bulgur, oat bran, and wheat flour, along with foods like beans, tomato products, and even fruits such as raspberries and pears.
It's easy to determine if ready-to-eat foods have what you need from a simple glance at the ingredient list on the nutrition label. If "whole grains" are among the first items listed (e.g., whole oats, whole wheat flour, whole grain corn) and have at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving, you're well on your way to becoming a full-fledged whole grain Grainiac.
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