By now you’ve probably heard that there are different types of carbohydrates that can all lead to different effects on your body. Carbs can be separated into two groups, refined grains and whole grains. Refined grains, such as the grains in white bread and sugary cereals, are not naturally occurring in nature and can lead to weight gain, heart disease, and a decrease in overall energy. Whole grains are made using the whole kernel of the grain and they are unprocessed making them a much better alternative.

There are many kinds of whole grains ranging from whole wheat and brown rice to oatmeal and buckwheat. At our houses we eat a lot of oatmeal, and Tammy’s daughters love their corn. Yes, whole corn is a whole grain! Fresh, yellow corn is high in antioxidants as well as B vitamins.

One of our favorite corn recipes is a Bean and Corn Salsa!

Bean and Corn Salsa:

It’s so easy, simply mix these ingredients together, cover and chill!

• 3 cups of chopped seeded tomatoes
• ¾ cup of sweet onion
• ¼ cup if rinsed and dried black beans
• ½ cup of fresh corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon of hot sauce

After mixing all ingredients, cover and let chill for at least 2 hours.

Try this salsa (only 15 calories per serving of ¼ cup!) with a serving of whole grain tortilla chips, and you will have a great boost of energy for your day! The corn will give you energy-boosting carbs and the fiber will help to sustain that boost, while the fiber and protein in the black beans will keep that energy-revving boost lasting even longer.

What whole grains do you cook with? What are your favorite whole grain recipes?