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Do you feel like you'd like to eat a little healthier? Worried that family and/or friends might not agree? No worries! We've got you covered with these 7 great whole-grain recipes that always receive rave reviews. They're all easy to put together and make fabulous leftovers for busy days and nutritious meals on the run!
It's easy to fall into a summer rut. Burgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream... all those quick, easy things that taste best during these lazy days of summer. I can only handle that kind of eating for so long though... and then my whole being starts craving something healthy - but, of course, it has to also be delicious. Whole-grain recipes to the rescue!
Nutritional Powerhouses
Whole grains are a wonderful way to fuel your body with great nutrients. When you look at the health benefits of these little powerhouses, it's almost staggering. The Mayo Clinic says that the vitamins and minerals in whole grains are important for your overall health. Also, the high fiber content of whole grains may help with:
- Lowering bad cholesterol levels.
- Raising good cholesterol levels.
- Lowering insulin levels.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Creating a feeling of fullness that can help with weight loss or control.
They also point out that studies show high-fiber diets lower the risk of:
- Heart and blood vessel diseases.
- Stroke.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Cancer of the large intestine and rectum.
They also provide tons of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, selenium and copper which are thought to protect against certain cancers.
So here you go, a collection of our favorite whole-grain recipes!
7 Healthy, Delicious Whole Grain Meals!
Love a hearty, healthy, salad that's bursting with bright, fresh flavor? This Chopped Mediterranean Farro Salad is a meal on its own or a great side!
With juicy, tender chicken, healthy farro and loads of fresh spinach, this hearty, delicious Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Farro is an easy meal in one pan!
This Asian-inspired, Ballymaloe Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad is super healthy, can be prepped ahead and simply bursts with bright, fresh, delicious flavor!
Think you need to avoid Italian food if you're trying to eat healthier? Nope! This fabulous Slow Roasted Tomato Ancient Grain Salad is loaded with all the delicious flavors of Italy minus the refined carbs and high-calorie counts!
This fabulous Roasted Ratatouille Quinoa Salad is loaded with healthy veggies, and makes a perfect side for any grilled or roasted entree!
With a delicious honey-lime dressing, this healthy, hearty Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is a perfect side for chicken, shrimp, pork, steak, etc. It also makes a fabulous (and beautiful) vegetarian meal. We love pomegranate arils on this pretty salad when they're in season but golden raisins and dried cherries are also super delish!
This fabulous Butternut Squash Black Rice Salad is healthy, fresh and bursting with bright flavor. A simple lemon-olive oil dressing ties it all together with pizazz! If it's not pomegranate season, just substitute dried cranberries, golden raisins or toasted almonds for the pom arils.
Universally appealing
Thought for the  day:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
GREAT is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy any of these recipes, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It's so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations and ideas for variations.
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