Today our class went on a field trip to the Great Harvest Bread Company. While I had no idea what to expect, I pictured us walking through some factory with the kids just shrugging due to sheer boredom. To my surprise, the trip was actually fun and of course, educational. We stepped in and put on our baker's hats ("oh boy," I thought)
It was actually a cafe/bread store and the owner's were great with the kids and taught us teachers a lot on the side as well. She was a nutrition major and had tons o' facts! Their bread is made from 5 simple ingredients, which any kid in our class can scream off to you in less than 5 seconds! (They were sure to tell everyone when we got back to school.) They make their own wheat flour there, which the kids got to partake in, and they gave each kid a loaf of warm fresh baked bread to take home. They had fundraisers going so that if you bought certain loaves of bread, they would donate about 70% to sick children. So I encourage you to go to Great Harvest if there is one around you! :)
As for the healthy fun facts:
- People who eat whole grains reduce serious health risks
- Risk of heart disease drops 25-36%
- Risk of type 2 diabetes drops 21-27%
- Risk of digestive cancers drops 21-43%
- Risk of stroke drops 37%
- Other benefits include better weight control, reduction in belly fat, and significant drops in blood pressure
- Research has shown that children who eat whole grains have a lower risk of obesity and diabetes, lower cholesterol, reduced risk of asthma, and may have reduced acne. Whole grains help children maintain their energy levels and feel fuller longer.
- For older Americans, consuming more whole grains has shown to be beneficial in decreasing BMI (Body Mass Index), weight gain, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and in improving glucose response.
Okay so let's all run to the store and buy everything with whole grain..haha ;) I kid, I kid, but it helps to be more aware! Speaking of eating well, the side I made with our meal tonight was an apple pecan salad with fat-free raspberry vinaigrette (and I added in strawberry slices). Yes it was sweet, but oh so delicious! Thank you E-mealz :)
