Soccer Star and Mom Mia Hamm Encourages Americans to Include Energy-Boosting Grains as Part of a Healthy Diet

RIDGWAY, Colo., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent International Food Information Council Foundation study, fifty-six percent of Americans have made dietary changes in the past six months with the intent to improve their physical health or to lose weight.  Keeping energy levels balanced throughout the day is critical to maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle. Bread and other grain foods are among the best sources of complex carbohydrates the body needs for fuel. That's why the Grain Foods Foundation has partnered with soccer star and mom of three, Mia Hamm, to remind consumers of the important role bread and grains play in a healthful diet.

"On or off the field, I could never get through the busy days without fueling up with bread and grains," said Hamm. "Plus, grain-based foods like bread, pasta and cereal are not only healthy, they're convenient and affordable – all important things to consider when you've got a growing family at home!"

In addition to providing fuel for energy, carbohydrates can help maintain a healthy weight. In fact, a 2009 study from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that healthy adults who include a medium-to-high percentage of carbohydrates in their daily diets were less likely to be overweight or obese than those following low-carb diets. The lowest risk was found in people who consumed 47-64% of their calories from carbohydrates, a range consistent with the Institute of Medicine's recommendation for daily carbohydrate intake.

That's why the Dietary Guidelines for Americans continue to recommend eating six one-ounce servings of grain foods each day, with at least three servings coming from whole grains. Bread and grains provide many of the essential nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and help fight diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and birth defects.

"Grain foods have fueled our bodies with energy for thousands of years," said Judi Adams, MS, RD and president of the Grain Foods Foundation. "And with today's busy schedules and long days, maintaining energy levels is more important than ever."

For expert nutrition advice, and video tips for including more bread and grains in your diet, please visit www.gowiththegrain.org.

About the Grain Foods Foundation
The Grain Foods Foundation, a joint venture of members of the milling, baking and allied industries formed in 2004, is dedicated to advancing the public's understanding of the beneficial role grain-based foods play in the human diet. Directed by a board of trustees, funding for the Foundation is provided through voluntary donations from private grain-based food companies and is supplemented by industry associations. For more information about the Grain Foods Foundation, visit gowiththegrain.org, or find GoWithTheGrain on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Grain Foods Foundation