Start Your Year Strong with the Power of 100% Whole Grains
As we ring in the new year, many of us set goals for better health, more energy, and a renewed commitment to nourishing our bodies. One of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make is incorporating 100% whole grains into your daily routine. At Cream of the West, we’ve been championing the power of whole grains for over a century—and for good reason! These unprocessed, nutrient-packed superfoods provide everything your body needs to thrive, helping you feel your best every day.
Why Whole Grains Matter
Whole grains are nature’s gift, complete with all the essential parts of the grain: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each of these layers is loaded with nutrients that work together to nourish your body:
- The Bran: This fiber-rich outer layer is packed with B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like iron and magnesium. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system, keeps you full longer, and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
- The Germ: The nutrient powerhouse of the grain, the germ contains healthy fats, vitamin E, and essential B vitamins, giving your body the energy and vitality, it craves.
- The Endosperm: While it’s the least nutrient-dense part, the endosperm provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein.
By choosing whole grains, you’re fueling your body with the full spectrum of nutrients it needs to function at its best.
The Problem with Enriched Grains
Many processed grains, like white flour and white rice, are stripped of their bran and germ during processing. This removes most of the grain’s natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leaving behind a nutritionally incomplete product. To compensate, manufacturers often "enrich" these grains by adding back a fraction of the lost nutrients. But these synthetic additives are no match for the real deal! So, if you are someone who has a hard time digesting wheat, the thought to consider is, are you consuming whole grains or enriched products? The bran and germ in whole wheat contain the necessary nutrients to digest grains, but sadly, enriched grains do not.
Enriched grains may give a quick energy boost, but they lack many naturally occurring nutrients in whole grains, including fiber to sustain you, and can negatively contribute to blood sugar spikes and crashes. Over time, this can leave you feeling sluggish and making it harder to stick to your health goals. In contrast, whole grains provide slow, steady energy and a balanced array of nutrients that keep your body satisfied and strong. To determine which type of grains a product contains, simply look for the word “enriched” on the ingredient label. It is important to note that an industry trick is to now say “enriched whole grains”. Common enriched products include bread, pasta, crackers, cereals, pretzels, and baked goods, so the simple rule to remember is Enriched = Unhealthy.
A New Year’s Commitment to Real Food
Choosing 100% whole grains is a commitment to your health, vitality, and well-being. It’s a way to honor your body with the fuel it deserves, setting the foundation for a year of feeling your best. At Cream of the West, we make it easy to embrace this healthy habit with our delicious lineup of Montana-grown, family-farmed whole grain cereals. From our iconic Roasted Wheat to our hearty Roasted 7-Grain Cereal, every bowl is a celebration of natural, unprocessed goodness.
Make the Switch Today
If you’re looking to start the year on a high note, swapping enriched grains for whole grains is a simple yet profound choice. With every bite, you’ll be nourishing your body, supporting sustainable farming practices, and staying true to the values that matter most.
This year let’s ditch the empty calories and embrace the rich, wholesome power of 100% whole grains. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Here’s to a new year filled with health, happiness, and whole grain goodness! 🌾