Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides many nutrients that are vital for growing bodies. When you see this badge on a recipe, it means that it contains a significant amount of whole grains.
Some examples of whole grains include: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, emmer, wheat berries, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, rice (brown or wild), whole rye, sorghum, spelt, triticale, whole grain corn, and whole wheat.
Some common foods that contain these grains include: whole grain bread, whole wheat crackers, whole wheat English muffins, oatmeal, whole wheat/buckwheat pancakes, whole wheat pita bread, popcorn, whole grain breakfast cereal, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat/whole grain corn tortillas and tortilla chips, and whole wheat pizza dough.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, at least half of all grains kids eat should be whole grains. Whole grains provide essential doses of dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and selenium. The amount of grains a child needs depends on age, sex, size, and physical activity level. See below for the average daily recommended servings from the USDA.
2 - 3 year olds: 3 ounce equivalents
4 - 8 year olds: 4 - 5 ounce equivalents
9 - 13 year-old girls: 5 ounce equivalents
9 - 18 year-old boys: 6 ounce equivalents
For more information visit MyPlate.gov
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