Grains can be found in the form of rice, polenta, quinoa or a number of other increasingly popular forms. Dieters are beginning to notice the boundless energy supplied by these nutritious and tasty foods, and there are a variety of unique ways to get your daily dose of grains. If you’re looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate grains into your diet, these simple recipes can help:

Couscous With Carrots, Walnuts and Raisins
In just 12 minutes, you can create this delicious and nutritious dish to eat for lunch or as a side dish with your dinner. Whole-wheat couscous is a healthy, low-fat grain, while carrots, raisins, walnuts and spices add sweet and savory flavor to this simple recipe.

Pesto Baked Polenta
Polenta is a spongy grain made from whole-grain cornmeal, and it can be flavored just about any way you like. In this dish, Parmesan cheese and pesto sauce add a bit of flavor without adding too many additional calories.

Savory Brown Rice
A healthier alternative to traditional white rice, savory brown rice pairs perfectly with just about any meat, vegetable or other main course. This one is seasoned with sodium-free chicken broth, black pepper and a few other simple seasonings, while mushrooms and onions add a little something extra.

For more great grain dishes, visit the NIH website.

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