or
here to visit the
USDA's site to see the recommended number of servings for your
family members - once again, you'll see that the recommended number
varies by age and gender.
There are a lot of great food sources for this
group and I really think that unless you are dealing with an illness or
life-choice that involves the avoidance of breads and cereals, you can
think of lots of ways to fit this group in :)
That said, there are more healthy options than
others. As always, lower fat may be a wise choice for your family
- check with your doctor on this. Also, whole grains are a great
choice here.
Whole wheat pastas and white breads with fiber
added can pass by my kids' palates pretty easily. I also try to
use whole grain crackers and make muffins, cookies and cakes that have
at least some whole wheat flour substituted for the white flour.
Oatmeal is a great ingredient for these too.
While you are fitting in the daily requirement for
everyone, please remember that, saying "whole wheat" on an item does not
mean that it is 100% whole wheat, just that it has some whole
wheat in it. Try for the items that say "100% whole wheat" on the
package.
Also, please don't make a big change overnight.
I found that switching quickly to whole grains made our whole family
gassy (not nice as our youngest was up crying in the night).
Please check with your doctor on this too. Maybe it was my
imagination but it sure seemed to be related to our whole grain sudden
switch ;)
