Whole grains are nutrient-rich foods bursting with vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Regularly consuming whole grains reduces your risk of suffering from gum disease, cardiovascular disease and asthma, the Whole Grain Council reports. However, certain whole grains like quinoa and millet are inconvenient and time-consuming to prepare. Choosing whole grain prepared foods help you conveniently add whole grains to your diet.
Whole Grain Cereal
Whole grain cereal like bran flakes and granola are one of the most convenient sources of whole grains. With cereal, you eat your prepared whole grain by the handful or throw it into a bowl of yogurt and fruit for a parfait. Many breakfast cereals have significant amounts of added sugar. Read the nutrition facts label to ensure that your whole grain cereal is a low-sugar choice.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are a portable source of whole grain oats. Oats are rich in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber forms a sticky gel inside your digestive tract that slows digestion and clings to cholesterol, MayoClinic.com reports. Granola bar brands with whole grains include Kashi and Nature's Valley. Like breakfast cereal, opt for granola bars with limited amounts of sugar.
Precooked Brown Rice
Brown rice is a versatile whole grain that is incorporated into a number of healthy dishes including stir fry, fried rice and rice pilaf. However, typical brown rice takes over 45 minutes to cook. Fortunately, there are a number of brown rice products available that are pre-cooked and ready in just a few minutes. If you're truly time crunched, opt for brown rice in a bag that only requires 60 seconds in the microwave.
Whole Wheat Wraps
Whole wheat wraps are an excellent source of whole grain dietary fiber that's ready any time you want it. Wraps are eaten on their own or incorporated into sandwiches. Consider toasting your whole wheat wrap and dipping it into healthy guacamole or salsa.
Frozen Dinners
Many frozen dinner brands offer whole grain-based meals. These meals often include whole grain spaghetti, lasagna and brown rice. Frozen dinners help you control portions as they are pre-portioned and tend to be low in total calories and dietary fat.
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