Make the Switch to Whole Grains and Win!

Make The Switch to Whole Grains and Win!

September is Whole Grains Month

BOSTON, June 8, 2014 – September is Whole Grains Month and the Boston-based non-profit Oldways and its Whole Grains Council (WGC) are encouraging people everywhere to “Make the Switch” to include more nutritious and delicious whole grains in their every day meals. 

For inspiration and guidance, the WGC has invited popular bloggers and dietitians from across the USA to take an “old” recipe made with refined grains and transform the dish into one featuring whole grains. Recipes, including soups, salads, entrées, and desserts, will appear on the WGC web site throughout the month of September for all to try and then vote for their favorites.  There are dishes for everyone including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free whole grains. To sweeten the ‘whole grain pot,’ the WGC will randomly select one lucky voter to win $500 and a bountiful selection of whole grain foods, while participating bloggers will have a chance to win cash prizes for their Make the Switch recipes. 

According to the WGC, whole grain consumption jumped 23% from 2008 to 2010, as more people discovered the many delicious whole grain options available in restaurants and on grocery shelves.  Yet most people are still far short of recommendations, and would benefit from switching more of the grains they eat to whole grains.

“Eating better is not an all-or-nothing choice – there are simple ways to include more tasty whole grains in your everyday meals,” said Cynthia Harriman, Director of Food and Nutrition Strategies for the Whole Grains Council and Oldways. “While health benefits are most pronounced for those consuming at least 3 servings daily, some studies show reduced disease risks from as little as one serving daily – so every whole grain in your diet helps.”

Studies show that eating whole grains lowers the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.  Other benefits include reduced risk of asthma, healthier blood pressure levels, and better weight control.

There’s no need to wait until September to try whole grains.  The WGC offers these simple starter steps to help everyone Make the Switch today:

Whole Grains Month is an annual initiative designed to introduce consumers to the health benefits and great taste of whole grains. In September and all through the year, consumers are encouraged to visit the WGC web site for recipes, health information, cooking tips and much more.

Whole Grains Council members sponsoring the Make the Switch program include:  Arnold/Brownberry/Orowheat Bread, Bob’s Red Mill, and Gen-ji-mai Rice. 

How are you Making the Switch?  Join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #WholeGrainsMonth 

Please contact Rachel Greenstein (rachel@oldwayspt.org or 617-896-4888) for more information, including hi-res graphics of the Whole Grains Month or Make the Switch logos or for interviews with WGC and Oldways program managers.??About Oldways and the Whole Grains Council?Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition.  The Whole Grains Council (WGC), an Oldways program, has been working since 2003 to increase consumption of whole grains for better health, and in 2005 introduced the Whole Grain Stamp, now used on more than 9,500 products in 41 countries. The WGC’s many initiatives help consumers to find whole grain foods and understand their health benefits; help manufacturers and restaurants to create delicious whole grain foods; and help the media to write accurate, compelling stories about whole grains.  You can learn more about both at http://www.oldwayspt.org and http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org.