For Health, Focus On Whole Grains

A report in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool-age children do not consume even one serving of whole-grain foods a day. The intake for adolescents is only one serving per day.

The study of more than 4,000 children ages 2 to 18 found that kids are consuming grains, but they aren't choosing whole grains. This means kids are getting less fiber, phytochemicals and possibly less overall nutrition.

You can increase your kids' consumption of whole grains by slowly adding them to their meals. Try mixing whole-wheat pasta with regular pasta, preparing sandwiches with one slice of whole-grain bread and one slice of mixed-grain bread or mixing whole-grain cereal with other favorite cereals.

Making the switch to whole grain takes a little time but it is worth the effort.