IBW March 2012 Monthly Challenge

Instead of my babbling about this and that, I decided to try something new with my readers.  I am introducing a monthly challenge that you can participate in along with me.  The challenge will be fun and interactive!  I cannot wait to hear your comments and experiences.   The topic will be something I select at random in the health and wellness realm.  Here is the challenge for the rest of March….

I want you to try one new grain per week.

The wonderful world of Teff!

Grains are carbohydrates that are packed with nutrition.  Before you scream, “Not a carbohydrate!” please understand that carbohydrates have been central to cultures around the world for thousands of years.  Unrefined carbohydrates, those that have NOT been stripped of their nutritional value, are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet and are necessary for better health.  Whole grains are packed with vitamins, minerals, bran, wheat germ and fiber, which are necessary to keep the body full of energy as well as to sweep the digestive tract.  Please note what I mean by “Whole Grain” does NOT include the “supposed” Whole Grains in your cereals or any type of processed foods.  Here is a list of the acceptable grains that are included in the challenge: 

Amaranth

Barley

Buckwheat

Bulgur

Farro

Kamut

Kasha

Millet

Quinoa

Sorghum

Spelt

Teff

Wild Rice

Nope…this is not another language!  Are you intrigued?  First you’re probably wondering where to purchase these grains.  Most of you should have a local health food store within the vicinity of your home.  If it does not carry a particular grain, ask!  The store can probably order it for you.  When all else fails, you can always find these grains online.   Just do a search of the particular grain you would like to try.  Here is one site:   http://www.homegrownharvest.com/organicgrains-2lbs.html

My guess is that you thought I have tried all of these grains.  Well, I haven’t!  So this week I decided to try Teff.  Honestly, I absolutely loved it!  I did not expect that at all.  I made grain porridge, following the recipe on the Bob’s Red Mill Bag, for breakfast.  In addition to a piece of fruit, I have eaten this porridge every day this week.  Here’s a bit of information on Teff from “The World’s Healthiest Foods, by George Matelijan”…

“A tiny grain that plays a large role in Ethiopian cuisine, Teff is a type of millet that has a sweet flavor.  It can be used to make baked goods or cooked like oatmeal.  It is especially rich in minerals, such as iron and calcium.”  I just want to add that Teff is gluten free!

Please leave comments as to what grains you wish to try and the results.  I would love to hear your feedback.  Next on my list is Amaranth…..

REFERENCES

http://www.bobsredmill.com/

http://www.homegrownharvest.com/organicgrains-2lbs.html

Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Mateljan, George, “The World’s Healthiest Foods, George Mateljan Foundation, Seattle Washington; 2007.

For more information on my program, visit http://www.innerbeautyworkshops.com/ or email christine@innerbeautyworkshops.com.