I have a confession n to make. I love cheese. And thee dairy aisle used to be my favorite. Yogurt, cottage cheese, extra sharp cheddar, Swiss, cream cheese. I could spend 10 minutes staring into the refrigerators. Usually I was looking for the extra sharp cheddar slices or shred. But since switching to a WFPB diet, I no longer gaze lovingly through those cold windows. I have a new favorite aisle: the grain and bean aisle.
For years I had only glanced into this area and maybe grabbed some rice but nothing more. But since changing the way I eat I've discovered many new treasures in this aisle. The health benefits of grains and beans are numerous - fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals. Did you know that beans are SO MUCH cheaper if you buy them dry as opposed to canned? About 1/5th the price or less! There's quinoa, barley and wheat berries. Wheat berries are one of my new favorite foods. These little grains are the true form of whole wheat. When cooked they are al dente, a little chewy and a little sweet. I like to add some to my salads for their nutritional addition and a different texture. Lastly there are lentils. I had never eaten lentils before I had some in a soup at Panera. I quickly found a copycat recipe, still one of my favorite soups. They are quite versatile and can be used for anything from soups to shepherd's pie to a meatloaf substitute called "lentil loaf." I have yet to make one of those but one of these days I'll get around to it. Now, this is the aisle I stand a little longer in, taking in the new names and exploring new recipes.
If you are scientifically minded, here are a few articles on the benefits of whole grains.
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