A Balanced Diet Doesn't Have to be a Balancing Act

With so much talk about good carbs, bad carbs, fad diets, childhood obesity and recommended daily allowances, the thought of a balanced diet for you and your family can be overwhelming. But there are many easy ways to enjoy a healthy diet filled with foods such as fruits, whole grains, breads and vegetables. By making simple choices when planning a menu or packing a lunch, you can add foods that will keep those you love healthy and energized, while reducing the risk of many health problems.

At Mrs Baird's we make a delicious assortment of breads that not only taste great, but that can help you keep up with the balancing act of a healthy diet. Our traditional white bread, enriched with essential vitamins, is a great choice for the active child, while for those wanting more fiber in their diet, we have a range of wheat and whole grain wheat breads.

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Go with the Grain

The USDA food pyramid recommends you fill half your daily grain consumption with whole grain. To do this, eat at least 3 ounces of whole grain bread, cereal, crackers, rice or pasta everyday. Whole grains contain essential vitamins, minerals and fibers. Enriched grains provide important vitamins and minerals too. And grains contain complex carbohydrates that break down slowly and give our bodies a time-released energy solution.

The Break Down on Carbs & Energy

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for exercise and activity. Breaking down carbohydrates requires less energy than the breakdown of proteins or fats, giving you more energy to do the fun things you enjoy. For an active person, especially young athletes, a diet high in carbohydrates is necessary to give their body the fuel it needs to participate in sports and other activities.

Carbohydrates are the number one fuel for energy and should supply 50% of your caloric intake, with the majority coming from complex carbohydrates such as bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes and rice.

As a staple food rich in complex carbohydrates, bread can help:

• Increase stamina and fight fatigue.
• Boost energy and performance.
• Assist in weight loss as part of a low-fat diet.
• Reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes by eating a high intake of fiber rich and whole-grain carbohydrates.

Source: Flour Advisory Bureau, Grain Foods Foundation, USDA