Photo by me

One holiday down, many more to come. For those who celebrated, I hope you enjoyed it. As we get closer and closer to approaching the New Year, I want to simply remind you that most things in life are NOT black or white. Below, in my “You Ask, I Answer” column and the “Better Bagel” article, are perfect examples related to carbs. I also think you’ll understand more of why I chose the above photo, besides simply showing different shapes of one my favorite foods!

In this week’s the Keri Report:

  • You Ask, I Answer: Is it OK to eat refined grains?
  • What Is The Low-Carb Better Bagel? What An RD Wants You To Know
  • 5 teas to soothe a sore throat, according to doctors

Photo by me

 

 

You Ask, I Answer: Is it OK to eat refined grains?* 

100% YES. It is important to remember that not all grain-based foods are created equal. Pasta, for example, is a great “staple” refined grain because it naturally contains essential nutrients, is enriched with iron and B vitamins, and it doesn’t have added sugar, fat or sodium.

And what you also might not know is that the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommend you eat half your grains as whole grains and the other half as enriched refined grains. NOT all grains consumed need to be 100% whole grains, like many people think. Why is that? Because of the benefits of enriched grains, like pasta. Enriched pasta is a nutritious complex carbohydrate containing an excellent source of folate (50% Daily Value [DV]) and a good source of iron (10% DV) and fiber (11% DV).

SO, if you want some easy ideas on how to build a delicious pasta meal, check out Barilla’s Pasta Recipe Builder inspired by the flavors of Italy. This yummy shrimp and asparagus dish shown above was made using this recipe builder and it really was easy to make. And you know – I love easy! Bon Appetit!

*This post is sponsored by Barilla but all opinions shared are my own!


Photo by me

What Is The Low-Carb Better Bagel? What An RD Wants You To KnowWomen’s Health

As with pasta, I stand firm that even with a bagel it’s how you put the whole meal together. I eat bagels ALL the time – scooped, mostly toasted and then filled with lots of yummy, nutritious ingredients. Actually, a bagel place where I use to have a house added tofu cream cheese on its menu thanks to yours truly. Anyway – is this new low-carb bagel a better choice? Perhaps for some, and perhaps for others it won’t make a difference. Ultimately it comes down to YOUR choice within YOUR total diet and needs.


Photo provided by Shutterstock.com

5 teas to soothe a sore throat, according to doctors Insider.com

Headlines sometimes really make me laugh. Point in case, this one above – the 5 teas were according to registered dietitian/nutritionists NOT doctors. But I admit, maybe I am being a stickler. Anyway, our recommendations could really come in handy as the cold/flu season is upon us. However, is it the actual type of tea, or rather simply the soothing of a warm beverage?

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Keri Gans