6. Greek Farro Village Salad – I am a sucker for a village salad. I love the crunch of a cool cucumber mixed with the burst of a flavorful tomato. Add the creamy, salty feta and I am all in! The only problem is an hour later I am hungry again. With six grams of protein in a quarter cup serving, adding Farro will add sustenance to your favorite village salad.
7. Italian Farro with Brussel Sprouts and Sundried Tomatoes Italian Farro with Brussels Sprouts and Sundried Tomatoes is perfect for fall. Warm, nutty and hearty, serving this dish is a simple way to embrace the colder months. I make sure to use a quality extra virgin olive when making this dish. After I eat it, I just feel nourished and well….healthy! That is my favorite aspect of the Mediterranean Diet, it has led us to foods we love and love us back!
Oatmeal is EASY
Did you know oatmeal is a whole grain? Yes, and not just steel cut. Many people do not realize this childhood favorite is an easy way to get more whole grains into your diet. The best part, it is affordable and available in almost every grocery store.
Whole Grain #3: Oatmeal
8. Sourdough Blueberry Granola Bars – Sourdough Blueberry Granola Bars are the perfect make-ahead recipe. The granola bars are great for breakfast, snack, a quick lunch to-go, or even as dessert base served with fresh fruit. Ideal for the Mediterranean Diet, the homemade granola bars are perfect to throw together quickly. Made from the discard of your sourdough starter the Sourdough Blueberry Granola Bars are super easy to make. A wonderfully versatile way to work whole grains into your diet.
Whole Grains from Fast Food? YES
9. Starbucks Rolled and Steel-Cut Oatmeal – Yes! You read right, Olive Sunshine is suggesting you to eat out. If you read my blog, you know that the Mediterranean Diet focuses on healthy cooking at home. Face it, grabbing food is a way of life for most Americans. The purpose of this blog is not to encourage takeout, but rather help busy people find solutions to be successful on this WOE. The Starbucks Rolled and Steel-Cut Oatmeal, also known as the “Perfect Oatmeal” is a PERFECTLY easy way to get whole grains into your diet.
I love it because it includes three different whole grains (WHOLE GRAIN OATMEAL, WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, WHOLE GRAIN STEEL CUT OATS, WHOLE GRAIN OAT FLOUR). Unlike many restaurant bought bowls of oatmeal, this blend of whole grains are tasty with a great texture. My go-to when I am traveling or out longer than expected, it can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. It is a filling on-the-go meal.
If you click on the nutritional facts provided by Starbucks, don’t be alarmed with the 410 calories and the 34 grams of fat. That figure includes brown sugar and dried fruit. The plain and hearty oatmeal is only 150 calories and 4 grams of fat. Feel free to add the nut medley or fruit. Just know it will add more healthy calories and fructose. Fructose is natural sugar derived from fruit and is part of the Mediterranean Diet (dried should be used more sparingly.) Avoid the brown sugar and agave syrup, they are not Mediterranean Diet friendly.
#wholegrains #quinoa #oatmeal #farro #grain #olivesunshine #mediterraneandiet #WOE
