Well, we have now completed the wholegrain goodness challenge!
As we found on the others days, day 14 was a successful day.
This is how we got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 14
Breakfast
The twins and hubby had hot oats for their breakfasts while Joseph and I enjoyed some wholemeal toast.
Lunch
All 5 of us had wholemeal pitta breads for our lunches.
Dinner
As it was Sunday we were out at my parents for our dinner. Which did not contain any wholegrain but during the day we had all had 2 wholegrain servings.
Overall Results and Feedback
I don't think that it advertised widely enough the benefits of wholegrains. Like many people I know that we need 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, I know that we need essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. However I was not aware that the daily recommended amount of wholegrain servings is 3 a day. I have spoken to friends who were also unaware of this. I feel that people need to be made more aware of how wholegrains are not only good for the digestive system but also that wholegrain intake can reduce the risk of heart disease!
We have loved trying the new wholegrain alternatives and I feel that, food budget depending, this will be a change that we will continue with. The only negative feedback that I do have is regarding the huge increase in cost for wholegrain products. Surely if a food is beneficial for good health it should be accessible for everyone and I know that a lot of families that run on a tight food budget would automatically go for the cheaper "white/non wholegrain" choice purely because they could not afford the extra expense.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Showing posts with label Wholegrain Goodness Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wholegrain Goodness Challenge. Show all posts
Monday, 3 February 2014
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Wholegrain Goodnes Challenge Day 13
Day 13 has not been as easy as the other days.
We had been out since the mid morning and only had our breakfast at home before we went away for the night.
We all had our wholegrain serving at breakfast but unfortunately did not have any more.
It is easy making sure that we have our wholegrain servings when at home but when we are out it is not so easy.
However there are always going to be days when you don't have as many wholegrain servings or vitamins as is recommended but I feel that is ok. As long as you have what you need the majority of the time the odd day off is ok!
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
We had been out since the mid morning and only had our breakfast at home before we went away for the night.
We all had our wholegrain serving at breakfast but unfortunately did not have any more.
It is easy making sure that we have our wholegrain servings when at home but when we are out it is not so easy.
However there are always going to be days when you don't have as many wholegrain servings or vitamins as is recommended but I feel that is ok. As long as you have what you need the majority of the time the odd day off is ok!
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Saturday, 1 February 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 12
I am pleased to say that we have all had yet another successful day.
I find that I am now automatically going for the wholegrain alternatives and have actually added brown wholegrain rice to my shopping list as it nearly all gone!
This is how we have done...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 12
Breakfast
Everybody automatically goes for the wholegrain cereals and are really enjoying them!
Lunch
The twins and I had some wholesale pitta breads for our lunch. I really did prefer the wholesale ones to the white flour ones which I often find to be a bit bland.
The hubby had his usual wholegrain sandwich and banana and oat muffin.
Dinner
I cooked creamy chicken and chorizo with brown wholegrain rice.
The twins had some leftover Bolognese and organic wholegrain spaghetti.
Day 12 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
I find that I am now automatically going for the wholegrain alternatives and have actually added brown wholegrain rice to my shopping list as it nearly all gone!
This is how we have done...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 12
Breakfast
Everybody automatically goes for the wholegrain cereals and are really enjoying them!
Lunch
The twins and I had some wholesale pitta breads for our lunch. I really did prefer the wholesale ones to the white flour ones which I often find to be a bit bland.
The hubby had his usual wholegrain sandwich and banana and oat muffin.
Dinner
I cooked creamy chicken and chorizo with brown wholegrain rice.
The twins had some leftover Bolognese and organic wholegrain spaghetti.
Day 12 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Friday, 31 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 11
We are nearly at the end of our two week wholegrain goodness challenge.
This really has become a change that we will be sticking to. Even my hubby has automatically gone from wholegrain alternatives when he was out shopping!
We are loving the new flavours that the wholegrain alternatives are bringing to our meals. However we haven't really noticed any of the health benefits, I have noticed that I have not felt as bloated and that's about it!
But I am sure that it is doing us good!
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 11
Breakfasts
Everybody had their usual breakfasts and are certainly enjoying the wholegrain cereals!
Lunch
The twins and I had a finger food lunch of cheese on wholemeal toast and wholemeal Sunbites.
Hubby took his wholemeal sandwiches and a banana and oat wholemeal cake.
Dinner
Last night I made a delicious chunky vegetable spaghetti bolognese served with organic wholegrain spaghetti. We all enjoyed this for our dinner and love the added flavours that the wholegrain spaghetti gives!
Snacks
Joseph had a bag of wholegrain Sunbites for his after school snack.
Day 11 - Results
Twins - 4 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
This really has become a change that we will be sticking to. Even my hubby has automatically gone from wholegrain alternatives when he was out shopping!
We are loving the new flavours that the wholegrain alternatives are bringing to our meals. However we haven't really noticed any of the health benefits, I have noticed that I have not felt as bloated and that's about it!
But I am sure that it is doing us good!
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 11
Breakfasts
Everybody had their usual breakfasts and are certainly enjoying the wholegrain cereals!
Lunch
The twins and I had a finger food lunch of cheese on wholemeal toast and wholemeal Sunbites.
Hubby took his wholemeal sandwiches and a banana and oat wholemeal cake.
Dinner
Last night I made a delicious chunky vegetable spaghetti bolognese served with organic wholegrain spaghetti. We all enjoyed this for our dinner and love the added flavours that the wholegrain spaghetti gives!
Snacks
Joseph had a bag of wholegrain Sunbites for his after school snack.
Day 11 - Results
Twins - 4 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Days 9 & 10
We really are on a roll now with the wholegrain challenge and have changed our diets to include wholegrain.
This is how we have got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 9
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
Lunch
The twins enjoyed haggis yet again with chicken and potatoes.
Hubby took to work his homemade wholemeal sandwiches.
I also had a wholemeal sandwich.
Dinner
I made one of our favourites this evening. I made tuna pasta bake but changed our usual white pasta for the brown wholegrain pasta. We have been enjoying the extra flavour that the brown wholemeal pasta brings to the dishes and are looking at making this a permanent change to our diets!
The twins enjoyed a wholegrain serving with their wholemeal egg sandwiches!
Snacks
I have made some wholemeal banana and oat muffins. Joseph enjoyed one when he got home from school.
Day 9 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 10
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
I have some of my fruit, hazelnut and oat flapjack.
Lunch
The twins loved the wholegrain tuna pasta bake for their lunch!
The hubby had his usual wholemeal sandwich and a banana and oat muffin.
I also had a wholemeal sandwich.
Dinner
I made a meat and vegetable pie for dinner with a wholemeal pastry. Joseph has told me that he actually prefers the wholemeal pastry to regular white flour pastry. I tend to agree with his too! The wholemeal flour just adds more flavour and texture to the pastry.
The twins had beans on wholemeal toast.
Day 10 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
This is how we have got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 9
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
Lunch
The twins enjoyed haggis yet again with chicken and potatoes.
Hubby took to work his homemade wholemeal sandwiches.
I also had a wholemeal sandwich.
Dinner
I made one of our favourites this evening. I made tuna pasta bake but changed our usual white pasta for the brown wholegrain pasta. We have been enjoying the extra flavour that the brown wholemeal pasta brings to the dishes and are looking at making this a permanent change to our diets!
The twins enjoyed a wholegrain serving with their wholemeal egg sandwiches!
Snacks
I have made some wholemeal banana and oat muffins. Joseph enjoyed one when he got home from school.
Day 9 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 10
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
I have some of my fruit, hazelnut and oat flapjack.
Lunch
The twins loved the wholegrain tuna pasta bake for their lunch!
The hubby had his usual wholemeal sandwich and a banana and oat muffin.
I also had a wholemeal sandwich.
Dinner
I made a meat and vegetable pie for dinner with a wholemeal pastry. Joseph has told me that he actually prefers the wholemeal pastry to regular white flour pastry. I tend to agree with his too! The wholemeal flour just adds more flavour and texture to the pastry.
The twins had beans on wholemeal toast.
Day 10 - Results
Twins - 3 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 8
I can't believe we have completed day 8 already! This last week has gone so fast and I can honestly say that it is a change that I am really enjoying!
This is how we all got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 8
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
Lunch
The twins had haggis for the first time! They really enjoyed the new flavours and I love it when they try new foods.
Hubby had his wholemeal bread sandwiches while I had some wholegrain Sunbites.
Dinner
As I had a lot of haggis left over from the weekend I decided to try a new meal. I stuffed chicken breasts with haggis and served with redberry sauce, neeps and tatties!
The twins had potatoes and vegetables.
Day 8 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
This is how we all got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 8
Breakfast
The twins are enjoying the Shreddies with bananas for their breakfasts.
Joseph had multigrain boulders and hubby had oats.
Lunch
The twins had haggis for the first time! They really enjoyed the new flavours and I love it when they try new foods.
Hubby had his wholemeal bread sandwiches while I had some wholegrain Sunbites.
Dinner
As I had a lot of haggis left over from the weekend I decided to try a new meal. I stuffed chicken breasts with haggis and served with redberry sauce, neeps and tatties!
The twins had potatoes and vegetables.
Day 8 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Fruit and Hazelnut Flapjack
This is my third attempt at getting this recipe right and it certainly was third time lucky!
I love flapjack but I find it hard to find a good quality one from the supermarket. Plus the really nice ones are often more expensive and when you are a family that has to stick to a tight budget it is cheaper and more satisfying to make your own!
This recipe is both delicious and cheap to make!
This is what you do...
Fruit and Hazelnut Flapjack
Ingredients
75g dark muscovado sugar
75g light muscovado sugar
250g non salted sugar
1 tbsp golden syrup
350g oats
100g dried fruit
50g dried apricot
50g dried cranberries
25g chopped hazelnuts
Method
Pre heat the oven to 150C fan
1 - Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup on a low heat
2 - Once the butter has melted and the sugar has all dissolved remove from the heat and stir in the oats, nuts and dried fruits
3 - Line a tray bake tin with baking paper
4 - Put the oats, nuts and fruit mixture into the tin and level off
5 - Place in the oven for 45 minutes
6 - Once baked leave in the tin for 15 minutes, then slice and leave to cool in the tin
7 - Once cooled store in an air tight container
These are not only delicious but the oats also provide some wholegrain goodness!
Enjoy x
I love flapjack but I find it hard to find a good quality one from the supermarket. Plus the really nice ones are often more expensive and when you are a family that has to stick to a tight budget it is cheaper and more satisfying to make your own!
This recipe is both delicious and cheap to make!
This is what you do...
Fruit and Hazelnut Flapjack
Ingredients
75g dark muscovado sugar
75g light muscovado sugar
250g non salted sugar
1 tbsp golden syrup
350g oats
100g dried fruit
50g dried apricot
50g dried cranberries
25g chopped hazelnuts
Method
Pre heat the oven to 150C fan
1 - Melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup on a low heat
2 - Once the butter has melted and the sugar has all dissolved remove from the heat and stir in the oats, nuts and dried fruits
3 - Line a tray bake tin with baking paper
4 - Put the oats, nuts and fruit mixture into the tin and level off
5 - Place in the oven for 45 minutes
6 - Once baked leave in the tin for 15 minutes, then slice and leave to cool in the tin
7 - Once cooled store in an air tight container
These are not only delicious but the oats also provide some wholegrain goodness!
Enjoy x
I have shared this recipe with Honest Mum's Tasty Tuesdays. Check out Papa G's Spinach Rice recipe, it looks delicious!
I have also shared this recipe with A Mummy Too's Recipe of the Week. Check it out as there are so many delicious recipes!
Monday, 27 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 7 & Week 1 Round Up
On Sunday's we go to my mum and dad's for our Sunday dinner. ThereforeI knew that today we would not all be having our 3 recommended daily servings of wholegrain.
However I knew that we would have at least 1 serving!
Here is how we did...
Breakfast
The twins have had a wholegrain serving for their breakfasts. They have started the day with Shreddies and banana.
Joseph had his multigrain boulders and hubby had some oats while I had a mid morning snack of oat flapjack.
Lunch
We all had wholemeal bread sandwiches.
Dinner
As it was Sunday, we had a traditional Sunday dinner which had no wholemeal servings in. However I do not mind as we had wholemeal for the other meals during the day.
Day 7 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 2 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Week 1 Results
After week 1 of the wholegrain goodness challenge I am amazed by how easy it is to include wholegrain into our diets. However, when I did the wholegrain shopping I was surprised by how much more wholegrain food costs. For a family that are on a budget it would be difficult, sometimes, to spend more on our weekly shopping. But to change the flour that I use for bread and to cook a mixture of both brown wholemeal products with white would be possible. I feel that the food companies should take a look at their prices. If we need to eat more wholegrain then they should make it more accessible for everyone, whether you are on a tight budget or not!
We are enjoying the wholegrain foods and hope to keep up with the changes after the challenge!
However I knew that we would have at least 1 serving!
Here is how we did...
Breakfast
The twins have had a wholegrain serving for their breakfasts. They have started the day with Shreddies and banana.
Joseph had his multigrain boulders and hubby had some oats while I had a mid morning snack of oat flapjack.
Lunch
We all had wholemeal bread sandwiches.
Dinner
As it was Sunday, we had a traditional Sunday dinner which had no wholemeal servings in. However I do not mind as we had wholemeal for the other meals during the day.
Day 7 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 2 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Week 1 Results
After week 1 of the wholegrain goodness challenge I am amazed by how easy it is to include wholegrain into our diets. However, when I did the wholegrain shopping I was surprised by how much more wholegrain food costs. For a family that are on a budget it would be difficult, sometimes, to spend more on our weekly shopping. But to change the flour that I use for bread and to cook a mixture of both brown wholemeal products with white would be possible. I feel that the food companies should take a look at their prices. If we need to eat more wholegrain then they should make it more accessible for everyone, whether you are on a tight budget or not!
We are enjoying the wholegrain foods and hope to keep up with the changes after the challenge!
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Week 2 Meal Plan - Week Commencing 27th January 2014
Well we are now onto week two of the wholegrain goodness challenge.
Last week went well and I found it easy to incorporate wholegrain into our diets.
This is what I have got planned for our meals this week...
Week Commencing 27th January 2014
Monday 27th January 2014
When I did last weeks meal plan I forgot that it was Burns Night so we had haggis instead of stew pie!
As I had quite a bit of haggis left Monday's meal will be chicken breast stuffed with haggis and redberry sauce with tatties and neeps!
Tuesday 28th January 2014
Tuna pasta bake made with wholegrain pasta and topped with a crispy cheesy oat topping.
Wednesday 29th January 2014
Beef steak and vegetable pie made with a wholemeal pastry served with potatoes
Thursday 30th January 2014
Chicken and chorizo in a creamy sauce with wholegrain brown rice.
Friday 31st January 2014
Chunky vegetable spaghetti bolognese with wholegrain spaghetti. This sauce if full of chunky pieces of peppers, courgettes, onions, mushrooms and minced beef.
Saturday 1st February 2014
Homemade chicken curry served with wholegrain brown rice.
This is going to be another yummy week!
Last week went well and I found it easy to incorporate wholegrain into our diets.
This is what I have got planned for our meals this week...
Week Commencing 27th January 2014
Monday 27th January 2014
When I did last weeks meal plan I forgot that it was Burns Night so we had haggis instead of stew pie!
As I had quite a bit of haggis left Monday's meal will be chicken breast stuffed with haggis and redberry sauce with tatties and neeps!
Tuesday 28th January 2014
Tuna pasta bake made with wholegrain pasta and topped with a crispy cheesy oat topping.
Wednesday 29th January 2014
Beef steak and vegetable pie made with a wholemeal pastry served with potatoes
Thursday 30th January 2014
Chicken and chorizo in a creamy sauce with wholegrain brown rice.
Friday 31st January 2014
Chunky vegetable spaghetti bolognese with wholegrain spaghetti. This sauce if full of chunky pieces of peppers, courgettes, onions, mushrooms and minced beef.
Saturday 1st February 2014
Homemade chicken curry served with wholegrain brown rice.
This is going to be another yummy week!
For more Wholegrain Goodness information visit
To read the feedback from the Wholegrain Goodness Challenge visit
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 5 & 6
Despite not being well these last two days we have kept up with our wholegrain intake. We are finding this challenge easier than anticipated.
Here is how we got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 5
Breakfast
Joseph had his wholegrain first thing in his Shreddies.
Hubby has changed his breakfast to oats to see if this will help settle his stomach a bit.
The twins have stuck to their usual breakfasts but they will be having Shreddies over the weekend.
Lunch
The twins had some Mediterranean stew and wholegrain brown rice for their lunch.
Hubby had his homemade wholemeal bread sandwiches.
As I wasn't feeling very well I just had a slice of wholemeal toast.
Dinner
I have tried a new dish for dinner. It is a wholemeal twist on a chicken dish that is one of our favourite. I made crispy oatmeal chicken. I soaked the chicken breast in some freshly squeezed lemon juice with fresh thyme. I then dipped the chicken in beaten egg and coated the chicken on oatmeal and wholemeal bread crumbs. I baked the chicken in the oven and served with potatoes and vegetables. Everybody enjoyed the chicken cooked like this and I will certainly be making it again!
The twins had soup and wholemeal bread.
Snacks
I have baked some oat flapjacks today which were delicious!
Day5 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 6
Breakfast
Hubby had oats for breakfast.
The twins had their usual breakfast while Joseph had Multigrain Boulders which do contain wholegrain.
Even I had some Shreddies this morning.
Lunch
We all had wholemeal bread sandwiches for lunch
Dinner
As it was Burns Night we had a true Scottish meal. I cooked haggis, tatties and neeps. For pudding I made a cranachan which has toasted oatmeal in. Haggis also contains oats so we got two servings in this meal!
Day 6 - Results
Twins - 2 servings
Joseph - 3 servings
Hubby - 4 servings
Me - 4 servings
We are nearly at the end of the first week of Wholegrain Goodness and I can honestly say that I am enjoying the changes in our diets and I think that we will carry it on after the two weeks are up!
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Friday, 24 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 4
We have now completed four days of the wholegrain goodness challenge.
I have noticed that I am feeling bloated less often but the hubby has been having some stomach pains. But he does have a sensitive digestive system and suffers with excess acid. However during the last couple of days he has been having more than the recommended 3 servings. So we are going to cut down his servings and I am going to make a loaf of bread using half white flour and half wholemeal flour to see if this helps.
Here's how we did on day 4...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 4
Breakfast
Yet again the twins had their usual breakfast, however I am going to start giving them Shreddies over the weekend now that their little tummy's have got used to the increase of wholegrain.
Joseph and hubby had some Shreddies.
Even I had a late breakfast of wholemeal toast.
Lunch
The twins enjoyed the last of the cottage pie from the other day.
As I am still not 100% I have not got much of an appetite. But whenever I am feeling ill the one food that I can always eat is crisps, luckily I have some wholegrain Sunbites so I did have my serving of wholegrain!
Hubby had a homemade wholemeal bread sandwich and also took the last of the wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake as a snack.
Dinner
I wanted to make an easy dinner today. So I bought some casserole steak as I can put it in the slow cooker and leave it for the day. I was going to make a stew but remembered that this week I had not bought any root vegetables so I gave it a twist. I made a Mediterranean style stew with red onions, red peppers, courgettes, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, herbs, spices, wholegrain brown rice and pearl barley. As this had been in the slow cooker all day the twins enjoyed a bowl of stew with a little added wholegrain brown rice for their dinner.
Day 4 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Unfortunately, with Joseph having school dinners, he is only getting 2 of his recommended 3 servings a day. I am going to bake some wholegrain muffins so that he can have one as his after school snack so that he getting the serving that he is currently missing.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
I have noticed that I am feeling bloated less often but the hubby has been having some stomach pains. But he does have a sensitive digestive system and suffers with excess acid. However during the last couple of days he has been having more than the recommended 3 servings. So we are going to cut down his servings and I am going to make a loaf of bread using half white flour and half wholemeal flour to see if this helps.
Here's how we did on day 4...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 4
Breakfast
Yet again the twins had their usual breakfast, however I am going to start giving them Shreddies over the weekend now that their little tummy's have got used to the increase of wholegrain.
Joseph and hubby had some Shreddies.
Even I had a late breakfast of wholemeal toast.
Lunch
The twins enjoyed the last of the cottage pie from the other day.
As I am still not 100% I have not got much of an appetite. But whenever I am feeling ill the one food that I can always eat is crisps, luckily I have some wholegrain Sunbites so I did have my serving of wholegrain!
Hubby had a homemade wholemeal bread sandwich and also took the last of the wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake as a snack.
Dinner
I wanted to make an easy dinner today. So I bought some casserole steak as I can put it in the slow cooker and leave it for the day. I was going to make a stew but remembered that this week I had not bought any root vegetables so I gave it a twist. I made a Mediterranean style stew with red onions, red peppers, courgettes, tomatoes, garlic, potatoes, herbs, spices, wholegrain brown rice and pearl barley. As this had been in the slow cooker all day the twins enjoyed a bowl of stew with a little added wholegrain brown rice for their dinner.
Day 4 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Unfortunately, with Joseph having school dinners, he is only getting 2 of his recommended 3 servings a day. I am going to bake some wholegrain muffins so that he can have one as his after school snack so that he getting the serving that he is currently missing.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Banana and Oat Cakes
As you all know, I am taking part in the wholegrain goodness challenge.
This has encouraged me to try some new bakes using wholemeal flour.
I thought that these cakes would be a great way to give both the kiddies and my hubby a yummy treat that has not only got wholegrain goodness in but also bananas for energy!
This is what we got...
Banana and Oat Cakes
Ingredients
225g wholemeal self raising flour
225g baking spread
225g golden caster sugar
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
100g whole oats
4 eggs at room temperature
1/2 tspn vanilla paste
Method
Heat the oven to 180C
1 - Cream together the spread and golden caster sugar
2 - Once they are light and creamy gradually add the eggs with a little flour to prevent curdling
3 - Mix in the vanilla paste
4 - Sift in the flour, adding the wholemeal that is left in the sieve, and mix
5 - Add the mashed banana and oats and mix until evenly combined
6 - Place the mixture in either cupcake cases or muffin cases for a larger cake
7 - Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes or until a knife comes out clean
8 - Remove from the tray and leave to cool on a cooling rack
These muffins are great little energy boosting, full of wholegrain snacks.
I have recently made some with added dates and walnuts which were equally delicious!
They are so versatile you could add nuts, raisins or any other dried fruit of your choice!
Enjoy x
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 3
We had yet another great wholemeal day.
We are enjoying the new food but I have got to be honest we are not noticing the difference eating the extra wholegrain. However, I don't think that you really notice any differences but I am sure that it is doing us good on the inside!
This is how we got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 3
Breakfast
The twins had their usual breakfast while Joseph and hubby has Shreddies.
Lunch
The twins had the cottage pie that we had on day 2. They thoroughly enjoyed their lunch and they both had clean plates! At first I wasn't sure how any of the three children would be with the pearl barley but they all ate it with no problems!
We enjoyed he cottage pie so much even I had a bowl for my lunch.
Hubby had a homemade wholemeal bread sandwich and also took some wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake.
Dinner
The twins had an easy meal of spaghetti hoops on wholemeal toast.
As I wasn't feeling very well, hubby took over in the kitchen at dinner time! We enjoyed spaghetti carbonara made with organic wholegrain spaghetti.
Day 3 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Another good wholegrain day, we are now on a roll and are automatically picking the wholegrain option. I hope that we continue this way.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
We are enjoying the new food but I have got to be honest we are not noticing the difference eating the extra wholegrain. However, I don't think that you really notice any differences but I am sure that it is doing us good on the inside!
This is how we got on...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 3
Breakfast
The twins had their usual breakfast while Joseph and hubby has Shreddies.
Lunch
The twins had the cottage pie that we had on day 2. They thoroughly enjoyed their lunch and they both had clean plates! At first I wasn't sure how any of the three children would be with the pearl barley but they all ate it with no problems!
We enjoyed he cottage pie so much even I had a bowl for my lunch.
Hubby had a homemade wholemeal bread sandwich and also took some wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake.
Dinner
The twins had an easy meal of spaghetti hoops on wholemeal toast.
As I wasn't feeling very well, hubby took over in the kitchen at dinner time! We enjoyed spaghetti carbonara made with organic wholegrain spaghetti.
Day 3 - Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 2 wholegrain servings
Another good wholegrain day, we are now on a roll and are automatically picking the wholegrain option. I hope that we continue this way.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 2
We have had a second day with added wholegrain goodness!
This is how we got on on day 2...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 2
Breakfast
I kept the twins with their usual breakfast of wheat biscuits and bananas. I do not want to add too much wholegrain in one go for them. I feel that as they are younger it should be increased a little at a time.
Joseph and hubby started the day with a bowl of Shreddies!
As for me, well I had my usual coffee!
Lunch
The twins had some of the beef in creamy mustard sauce with wholegrain rice that I cooked last night and they loved it!
Hubby had his wholemeal bread sandwiches and a piece of wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake.
I had a wholemeal bread sandwich along with a bag of wholegrain Sunbites.
Dinner
Last night I made a wholegrain cottage pie. I used my regular recipe of minced beef steak, onions, mushrooms, kale, sweetcorn, tinned tomatoes, beef stock and Worcester sauce. However yesterday I added 100g of pearl barley. Firstly I cooked the pearl barley in vegetable stock for 45 minutes and the added it to my cottage pie mix to finish cooking. I topped the meat with a sweet and white potato mash covered with oats and cheese. I finished the dish off by grilling until the cheese had melted and the top was crispy.
This was the first time that I have used pearl barley in my cooking but I will definitely be using it again. We all loved what it added to the dish and the cheesy oat topping gave it a crispy finish!
Day 2 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Another successful wholegrain day has been had here!
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
This is how we got on on day 2...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 2
Breakfast
I kept the twins with their usual breakfast of wheat biscuits and bananas. I do not want to add too much wholegrain in one go for them. I feel that as they are younger it should be increased a little at a time.
Joseph and hubby started the day with a bowl of Shreddies!
As for me, well I had my usual coffee!
Lunch
The twins had some of the beef in creamy mustard sauce with wholegrain rice that I cooked last night and they loved it!
Hubby had his wholemeal bread sandwiches and a piece of wholemeal cinnamon and honey cake.
I had a wholemeal bread sandwich along with a bag of wholegrain Sunbites.
Dinner
Last night I made a wholegrain cottage pie. I used my regular recipe of minced beef steak, onions, mushrooms, kale, sweetcorn, tinned tomatoes, beef stock and Worcester sauce. However yesterday I added 100g of pearl barley. Firstly I cooked the pearl barley in vegetable stock for 45 minutes and the added it to my cottage pie mix to finish cooking. I topped the meat with a sweet and white potato mash covered with oats and cheese. I finished the dish off by grilling until the cheese had melted and the top was crispy.
This was the first time that I have used pearl barley in my cooking but I will definitely be using it again. We all loved what it added to the dish and the cheesy oat topping gave it a crispy finish!
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| Cottage Pie with Pearl Barley sweet and white potato with a cheesy oat topping |
Day 2 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 2 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 4 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
Another successful wholegrain day has been had here!
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Beef in a Creamy Wholegrain Mustard Sauce with Brown Wholegrain Rice
For our first day of the Wholegrain Goodness Challenge I wanted to try a new dish!
When we stocked up with wholegrain food at the weekend I made sure we also got a jar of wholegrain mustard.
I love the bite that adding wholegrain mustard gives to a dish.
This is what I got...
Beef in a Creamy Wholegrain Mustard Sauce with Brown Wholegrain Rice
Ingredients
350g beef steak, cut into strips
1 red onion, sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
125g closed cup mushrooms, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
300 mls double cream
Salt and pepper to season
Brown wholegrain rice
Method
1 - Cook the rice as per instructions
2 - Dry fry the beef streak strips until browned
3 - Add the red onions, peppers and mushrooms and continue to cook over a medium heat until the meat is cooked through
4 - Once the meat is cooked through add the wholegrain mustard, stir through and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring regularly to allow the mustard flavour to spread throughout the meat a vegetables
5 - Gradually stir in the cream and cook for a couple of minutes
6 - Season to taste and serve!
This meal is both full on flavour and wholegrain goodness. It was a winner all round!
This will be a dish that I certainly will be cooking again!
I served with wholegrain brown rice but you can serve it with white and it will be equally delicious.
Enjoy x
I have shared this recipe on Honest Mum's Tasty Tuesday's check out the other delicious recipes and Papa G's Greek Chicken Casserole
I have also shared this recipe in A Mummy Too's Recipe Of The Week
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Day 1
We have completed day one of our Wholegrain Goodness Challenge and we have all had at least one serving of wholegrain.
To be honest, changing the way we eat was not as hard or as challenging as I thought it would be.
Just substituting plain, white options for brown, wholemeal gave us the servings that we needed.
This is how we did...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 1
Breakfasts
The twins and hubby stuck to their regular breakfast of wheat biscuits and banana.
Joseph kick started his wholegrain day with a bowl of Shreddies!
As for me, I'm naughty and don't have breakfast, just coffee!
Lunch
Joseph has school dinners so he did miss a serving of wholegrain at lunch.
The twins and I had a lovely lunch of savoury pancakes made with wholemeal flour filled with turkey, tomatoes and cheese! I also had a packet of wholegrain Sunbites!
The hubby, who takes a packed lunch, had his serving of wholegrain with his sandwiches made of homemade wholemeal bread.
Dinner
The twins didn't have any wholegrain in this meal as they had leftover vegetables from the Sunday dinner.
I cooked a delicious meal of beef steak strips in a creamy wholegrain mustard sauce on a bed of brown wholegrain rice (the recipe will be in the next post!). The wholegrain rice has a lovely nutty taste and I found to be a lot easier to cook. I really do not like cooking white rice as it can often go sticky, whereas the brown rice stayed separated and had a lovely texture! This will be a dish that I will be cooking again!
Snacks
The twins shared a bag of wholemeal Sunbites as a snack and Joseph also had a bag as an after school snack! Hubby had a snack of my homemade wholemeal cinnamon and 2 honey cake.
Day 1 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
We all had our minimum of 1 serving so far so good!
We'll see how today goes.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
To be honest, changing the way we eat was not as hard or as challenging as I thought it would be.
Just substituting plain, white options for brown, wholemeal gave us the servings that we needed.
This is how we did...
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge - Day 1
Breakfasts
The twins and hubby stuck to their regular breakfast of wheat biscuits and banana.
Joseph kick started his wholegrain day with a bowl of Shreddies!
As for me, I'm naughty and don't have breakfast, just coffee!
Lunch
Joseph has school dinners so he did miss a serving of wholegrain at lunch.
The twins and I had a lovely lunch of savoury pancakes made with wholemeal flour filled with turkey, tomatoes and cheese! I also had a packet of wholegrain Sunbites!
The hubby, who takes a packed lunch, had his serving of wholegrain with his sandwiches made of homemade wholemeal bread.
Dinner
The twins didn't have any wholegrain in this meal as they had leftover vegetables from the Sunday dinner.
I cooked a delicious meal of beef steak strips in a creamy wholegrain mustard sauce on a bed of brown wholegrain rice (the recipe will be in the next post!). The wholegrain rice has a lovely nutty taste and I found to be a lot easier to cook. I really do not like cooking white rice as it can often go sticky, whereas the brown rice stayed separated and had a lovely texture! This will be a dish that I will be cooking again!
Snacks
The twins shared a bag of wholemeal Sunbites as a snack and Joseph also had a bag as an after school snack! Hubby had a snack of my homemade wholemeal cinnamon and 2 honey cake.
Day 1 Results
Twins - 2 wholegrain servings
Joseph - 3 wholegrain servings
Hubby - 3 wholegrain servings
Me - 3 wholegrain servings
We all had our minimum of 1 serving so far so good!
We'll see how today goes.
Disclaimer: The Wholegrain Goodness Challenge is in association with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness. I received a shopping voucher to purchase wholegrain foods but all of the views expressed are my own and 100% honest.
To read some of other feedback visit Mumsnet Wholegrain Goodness Challenge
To read more about the health benefits of wholegrain visit Wholegrain Goodness
Monday, 20 January 2014
Wholegrain Goodness Challenge Week 1 Meal Plan - Week Commencing 20th January 2014
Today we start our Wholegrain Goodness Challenge with Mumsnet and Wholegrain Goodness.
For the next 2 weeks we will be eating at least one of the recommended three servings of wholegrain a day.
At the weekend I went shopping a stocked up with plenty of wholegrain alternatives.
So this week all of our evening meals will contain at least one serving of wholegrain. I have also baked some wholemeal bread and used rapeseed oil to make it even healthier!
During the week I will be trying some new wholemeal bakes and if I make any pastry I will be using wholemeal flour!
This is what delicious wholegrain dinners we will be enjoying this week!
Week Commencing 20th January 2014
* Beef Steak Strips in a Creamy Mustard Sauce on Wholegrain Rice
I dry fry the beef steak strips with some red onions, mushrooms and red peppers. Once the meat is cooked through I add some wholegrain mustard followed by some double cream. The beef steak and sauce is served on a bed of wholegrain rice.
* Spaghetti Carbonara with Wholegrain Spaghetti
This is a lovely, tasty, quick easy meal! I fry up some smoked bacon, garlic and onions. Once cooked through I add the cooked spaghetti, pour over a mixture of eggs, milk and grated cheese. Cook for a couple of minutes and serve. Quick and easy!
* Cottage Pie with Pearl Barley and a Cheesy Oat Topping
I will make my usual cottage pie mixture with minced beef steak, onions, mushrooms and carrots but will also add some pearl barley. I will be topping the cottage pie this week with mashed sweet potato and finishing it off with an cheesy oat topping that will be grilled.
* Lemon Chicken coated in Oats and Thyme
I will soak the chicken breasts in the lemon juice then will make an oat and thyme breadcrumb. This will be served with new potatoes and grilled courgettes and peppers
* Beef and Barley Stew
I love a good slow cooked beef stew and dumplings! So I will be making my usual stew recipes but will add pearl barley. This will be served with wholemeal dumplings!
* Beef and Barley Stew Leftover Pie
One of the best things about stew is the leftovers the next day! These make a lovely pie which will be with a wholemeal pastry.
I am looking forward to the challenge of adding wholegrain to our diets and trying some new dishes!
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| Our Wholegrain Goodies |
For more Wholegrain Goodness information visit
To read the feedback from the Wholegrain Goodness Challenge visit
I am linking up my weekly meal plan with At Home With Mrs M's Meal Planning Monday. Take at look at some other meal plan here...
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