Grain Group

Make half your grains whole

Help your preschooler learn to eat and enjoy whole grains.

  Include them often in meals and snacks.  In general, at least half of all grains eaten should be whole grains.

Eating grains, such as whole-grain breads, cereals, rice, and pasta provides nutrients and health benefits.  People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a lower risk of some chronic diseases. Choosing whole grains that are higher in dietary fiber has additional health benefits. Many preschoolers don't eat enough fiber, and whole grain foods are an easy way to get fiber into your child's diet.

What foods are whole grains? 

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel -- the bran, germ, and endosperm.

Some examples are:

• 100% whole-wheat bread, bagels, or English muffins
• oatmeal
• 100% whole wheat crackers
• shredded wheat cereal
• toasted oat cereal
• whole grain corn or wheat tortillas
• brown rice
• whole grain pasta
• whole wheat bulgur

More information on the Grain Group:

• Tips to help everyone eat more whole grains.
• What counts as an ounce in the Grain Group?
• What foods are in the Grain Group?
• Learn what grains might be a choking hazard.