Being a mum entails juggling various responsibilities – from finances to parenting, career, and homemaking. What makes it all worth it, though?
Perhaps it’s the smiles and laughter of your family tucking into the delicious feast you prepared for that reunion dinner. Or that time when you packed their favourite lunch and were rewarded with sweet smiles and big hugs.
There is no greater joy in cooking than to see a happy family
Food doesn’t just nourish our bodies physically, mums. It can also help you bond with your children. However, are you aware of how much carbohydrates there are in what you are feeding your children? Can you be sure that yoghurt or braised pork chop is healthy?
There are hidden sugars in dishes all around us. But not all hope is lost: There are sources of unrefined sugars (the good kind!) in wholemeal carbohydrates.
But first, we need to understand what whole grains are…
Whole Grains* vs Refined Sugars
Whole grains are the seeds of cereal plants (think of wheat, barley and oats). When found in nature, these grains have three different layers: the endosperm, bran and germ.
However, whole grains can also be refined. This is the process that takes place in mills and makes it into white flour, which is used to bake the bread we all know and love.
With this process, most of the bran and germ are removed. Hence, the grain loses most of its nutrients and dietary fibre which its protective parts contain. However, whole grain food, such as wholemeal bread, are made with all three layers of the grain.
Benefits of Wholemeal Bread: A Good Alternative to Refined Grains
Whole grains also have a lot of other benefits, too!
- Whole grains have compounds called phytochemicals which help keep your gut healthy.
- Previous studies have shown that healthy diets rich in whole grain foods may lessen the risk of severe diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.
- Whole grain foods also reduce the risk of premature death and chronic inflammation.
- Compared to refined grains, whole grains keep you feeling fuller (you feel more satiated). This helps people from excessively snacking after they have eaten, and can help with managing weight.
- In addition to fibre, protein and vitamins, wholemeal bread also has minerals and antioxidants from the whole grains.
Your child will love Sunshine’s Australian Soft Oat Grain. This particular bread is baked with Premium Australian Oats.
- It’s high in dietary fibre and low in fats
- Oats help weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- It has excellent taste and aroma.
- It’s also a great source of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Another good example of bread rich in antioxidants is the Canadian Sprout Extra Fine. This low sugar, low fat bread is made with premium Canadian Anthograins, an ancient grain which originated from East Africa. The Anthograin provides more antioxidants than ordinary wheat. In addition, this bread is easily digestible, as enzymes released during the sprouting process breaks down proteins and carbohydrates.
To know more about the different features and benefits of Sunshine’s wholemeal range, visit www.sunshine.com.sg/taste-the-wholemeal-goodness-with-sunshine-bakeries.
Is there any way I can include wholemeal bread in my diet?
Good question, mum! Here’s an easy sandwich recipe your kids will love:
Healthy Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
Wheat bread
Boiled chicken breast fillet, shredded
Honey mustard
Lettuce
Sliced tomatoes
Mint leaves and apricot for garnishing
To prepare:
Spread honey mustard on two slices of wholemeal bread. Top one slice of wheat bread with chicken, lettuce and tomatoes. Cover it with the other slice of bread.
So, mum, go wholemeal
Do encourage your children to eat more wholemeal sources of carbohydrates. And remember, mums, it’s always better to make food at home than eating out since you can control the nutrients and food hygiene.
Want to get started but don’t know how? Why not get creative with some homemade sandwich recipes at www.sunshine.com.sg/bread? Also stay updated on their Facebook page for more good things to come!
*Note that the terms ‘wholemeal’, ‘wholewheat’ and ‘whole grain’ used to describe bread all mean one thing: that the bread is made from whole grains. However, take note that granary bread and wheat-germ bread are not whole grain breads.
