Healthy Bites with TGMC | Make Half Your Grains Whole

ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA

What is a WHOLE grain and why is it so important? A whole grain contains three parts: the bran, endosperm, and the germ. The bran and the germ are removed from the grain to create white flour. Unfortunately, when you remove the bran and germ, you remove most of the fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some are added back later (also known as enrichment), but the whole grain will have more fiber, protein, and vitamins than the enriched grain.

Whole grains are a lot more nutritious! The fiber is key to feeling full after meals and is important to help keep our digestive track moving. Whole grains are more than just whole wheat flour. Here are a few whole grain choices to add to your meals or snacks: whole wheat bread, bagels, or English muffins, whole grain pancakes or waffles, oatmeal, whole grain cereals (think Cheerios), whole wheat tortillas, whole grain crackers, brown rice, quinoa, whole grain pasta, popcorn, or even whole wheat bread crumbs. Start by offering one whole grain option at each meal or snack and allow your child to take it or leave it. Research shows that kids may need to be exposed to a new food 20-30 times before deciding if they like it. Just like anything new, learning to like whole grain foods will happen with time.

INGREDIENTS:

• Whole wheat English Muffins
• Pizza or marinara sauce
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese
• Turkey pepperoni
• Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, pineapple, mushrooms, onions, fresh basil

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1
Preheat your toaster oven to 425 degrees F. Line an oven safe tray with foil.
STEP 2
Cut an English muffin in half. Separate all ingredients in separate bowls to allow your child to make their own pizza. (Tip: Children allowed to help assemble their own meals are more likely to add ingredients they don’t normally eat.)
STEP 3
Help your child assemble their pizza on the oven safe tray.
STEP 4
Place the tray in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
STEP 5
Let cool and enjoy!

Serving size: 1 whole muffin (2 halves)

For more information contact our Healthy Lifestyles Center at 985-850-6002 or visit tgmc.com

BY MICHELLE BRICENO, REGISTERED DIETICIAN