Discover the great taste of whole grains

(ARA) – For many, finding a simple way to get good nutrition without sacrificing taste can be a challenge – a daily dilemma between flavorful foods and products that promote a wholesome diet. Great solutions can easily be found thanks to the introduction of new better-for-you foods and beverages that are surprisingly delicious.

The benefits of whole grains, for example, have been widely documented. Consuming foods rich in whole grains as part of a healthy diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and help protect against stroke, certain types of cancers and also assists with weight control. The great news is that these days it’s easy to seamlessly integrate whole grains into traditional recipes for a delicious meal. For example, a versatile food like whole grain pasta pairs very well with fresh seasonal vegetables, cheeses and aromatic herbs, making it a great dish for any season.

Bob Greene, celebrity fitness guru and author of the New York Times bestseller “The Best Life Diet,” believes healthy eating can be a culinary experience. “As part of the ‘Best Life Diet,’ I try to share foods that are not only healthy but also taste great,” says Greene. He provides the following tips for healthy living:

* As with anything else, eating well and feeling good doesn’t happen overnight. Sticking with a healthy routine even after slip-ups is key.

* Physical activity and proper nutrition go hand in hand. Regular exercise and eating lots of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in whole grains are a great way to boost your overall wellness.

“I recommend three to five servings of whole grains daily. To reach this goal, try substituting some of the refined products you eat with versions that contain whole grains. For instance, this is easy when you enjoy foods that taste delicious like Barilla Whole Grain pasta that you can use in place of regular pasta. Eating a fiber-rich diet can be actually very easy and tasty,” Greene says.

As part of his quest to encourage Americans to rediscover whole grains, Greene encourages people to take the Barilla “That’s Whole Grain?” Taste Challenge which guarantees that anyone who tries Barilla Whole Grain will enjoy its taste. People who are not completely satisfied with the product can receive a box of their favorite regular Barilla pasta. To participate or learn more visit www.TryBarillaWholeGrain.com.

If you’re ready for the challenge of eating healthy, try this mouth-watering, easy-to-make recipe:

Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Prep Time: Four minutes
Cook time: Eight minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
1 box Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste
5 to 6 leaves basil, sliced into thin strips
1/2 cup Parmigiano, grated

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute minced garlic in olive oil until slightly yellow. Add cherry tomatoes and saute 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, garlic and half the basil. Add reserved cooking liquid to skillet and toss pasta again. Top with Parmigiano, black pepper and remaining basil.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Per serving, about:

Calories: 284
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrate: 49 g
Dietary Fiber: 7 g
Total Sugars: 2 g
Total Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.7 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg
Calcium: 96 mg
Sodium: 229 mg

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Tags: Barilla Whole Grain, Barilla Whole Grain Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil, Basil, cherry tomatoes, whole grains

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