Grain Foods Foundation

Refined holiday flavors call for the finest ingredients! Enriched grains provide important nutrients that are vital to our bodies such as niacin, iron, thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid. In addition to these added benefits, white flour is refined as part of the milling process to extend shelf-life and create a finer texture; a result that is especially handy for baking! Check out our latest blog post on why enriched grains are perfect for holiday baking, and why you shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying them: https://buff.ly/3ZzIMhO

While it’s tempting to sample the cookie dough while baking cookies this holiday season, ingesting raw ingredients, such as eggs and flour, can have adverse effects. Many people don’t realize that flour is actually a raw ingredient and is unsafe to consume in an unbaked form. To avoid any baking faux paus this season, follow these flour safety tips to ensure proper food preparation that will protect yourself and loved ones: https://buff.ly/3CVL2aq Happy baking! #grainfoods

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, love and giving. It is also a time where we see more of the indulgent #grainfoods pop up like cakes, cookies, sweet breads and pies! Grain foods can be split into two different categories: staple and indulgent. Staple grain foods are the nutritious and delicious grain foods that we eat more often, while indulgent grain foods provide the delight to our celebrations, cultural foodways and everyday moments of joy - and both fit in a healthy diet. As we dive into a more indulgent season, keep a balanced plate a priority by including fruit, vegetables and proteins with your grain foods. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/efScQg4h

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend getting at least half of your grains from whole grain sources. What about the “other half” of the grain recommendation? Most refined grain staple foods are enriched with vitamins and minerals that both kids and adults need. In fact, it’s mandatory in the U.S. that all refined wheat flour is fortified with folic acid as part of a public health effort to reduce neural tube defects, which can occur in very early pregnancy – often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Since the folic acid fortification took effect, there has been a dramatic drop in cases of neural tube defects. A healthy diet should include a mix of whole and refined grains. Even indulgent #grainfoods such as cakes and cookies can fit in healthy eating patterns as treats for special occasions, like during the holiday season, and simple moments of joy! To learn the “whole truth” about grains, visit https://buff.ly/47V3Kuf

At GFF, we're committed to promoting the positive role of grain foods through science-based insights and we collaborate with trusted nutrition influencers to share accurate, research-backed information about grain foods on social media. We're excited to be partnering with these Grain Foods Champions - Taylor Grasso, RDN, LD, MPP-D, Andrea Mathis, Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND and Charlotte Martin, MS, RDN, LDN, CSOWM, CPT - to share this valuable content throughout the year. Click through the images below to learn a little more about each of them - then make sure to give them a follow to see their latest content!

Check out this #CozyComfort dish from our GFF Champion, Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, featuring enriched grains. What's your go-to winter meal?

‘Tis the season for Cozy Comforts! This winter, we will be focusing on the many delicious #grainfoods we associate with the holidays and colder weather. Social gatherings and other traditions in the colder months bring the return of favorite seasonal dishes - festive desserts, comforting soups and cozy flavors - just to name a few! We’ll share tips and tricks on how easy it is to strike a balance of eating both whole and enriched grains to help you stay warm and full. So grab a hot beverage and join us in celebrating the nutritional power of grain foods during the coziest time of year: https://lnkd.in/eJZVMSkZ

Happy Thanksgiving! What #grainfoods are represented on your table as you feast with family and friends today? It’s important to remember that both enriched and whole grains are necessary and productive for a healthy diet! Grains tend to pair well with other nutrient-dense foods and keep good company on a table full of laughter, stories and giving thanks. #thanksgiving2024

Love this delicious and nutritious Thanksgiving breakfast idea from our GFF Champion, Andrea Mathis! What grain foods will you be starting the holiday off with?

We’re geeking out on grains! Especially when they’re vital to help our bodies kick off the day on the right foot. Nutrition advice can be overwhelming, with new headlines regularly touting the dangers of one food, and the life saving benefits of another. The benefits may sound appealing, but when we cut out entire food groups we put our health at risk by lowering the likelihood of achieving adequate nutrient intakes. Fortunately, over here in the real world, we know to tune out that noise and instead focus on evidence-based nutrition advice. Read more about our focus on Grains: The Ultimate Variety Pack: https://buff.ly/4elvECf