NutritionHealthy recipes

7 simple ways to sneak whole grains into your meals

It’s easier—and tastier—than you might think to include oats, brown rice, and barley in your diet.


LearnHealthy eating7 simple ways to sneak whole grains into your meals
Swap whole wheat flour into baked goods
Stir wild rice into soups
Pack whole oats into hamburger patties
Bake barley into casseroles
Add grains to your morning oats
Craft spiced-up sides
Sprinkle quinoa on salads

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Whole grains are a key part of a healthy diet. Not only are they a good source of B vitamins, fiber, and iron, but eating them regularly is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

The amount of grains your body needs depends on your age, sex, and activity level. But at least half of these grains should be whole grains, like oats, brown and wild rice, barley, and bulgur. And while it’s true that most people in the United States eat lots of grains, they’re often processed grains found in foods like white bread, cereal, and crunchy snacks. Whole grains are frequently overlooked.

For easy and delicious ways to eat more whole grains, follow these tips from Amy Buchanan, a registered dietitian in Aiken, South Carolina.

Sources: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Healt... + 4
  1. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source. Whole Grains. Accessed June 3, 2026.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Nutrition and healthy eating. Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet. August 19, 2025.
  3. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron: Fact Sheet for Professionals. September 4, 2025.
  4. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Manganese: Fact Sheet for Professionals. March 29, 2021.
  5. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Selenium: Fact Sheet for Professionals. September 4, 2025.
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.April, 2026
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.April, 2026
Updated onAugust, 2026
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