While our Charlotte NC community at Ashford Green apartment homes enjoy moderate winter temperatures, they still crave the warm and fulfilling foods that are popular when the thermometer starts to plummet. Today, we look at how you can make winter grains a nourishing part of your everyday meal plan.

3 Nutritious Winter Grains

Benefits of Buckwheat

Buckwheat is really a seed, but it is most often consumed as a cereal grain. Even though wheat appears in its name, it is a non-gluten alternative that is not related to wheat. Add buckwheat to your diet whenever possible, using buckwheat flours, noodles, and even buckwheat tea to take advantage of better control over blood sugar and its high antioxidant and mineral content. Try these tasty Buckwheat Pancakes for breakfast.

Rye Bread instead of Wheat

Rye is a cereal grain with a sharper and more intense flavor than wheat. While rye bread is a must for a great corned beef sandwich, you should definitely give it a try as a quick and healthy snack that is packed with heart-healthy nutrients, and rye has a lower glycaemic index, which means it won't spike your blood sugar. Top a few slices of your favorite style of rye bread with these delicious combos for a filling snack or lunch:

• Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and thinly sliced cucumber
• A light spread of ricotta and a drizzle of honey
• Top with sautéed spinach, chopped boiled egg, and minced garlic

Add Wild Rice to Dishes

Wild rice is a nutty, whole-grain alternative to brown rice. Traditionally, it has served as an add-on to create rice mixtures, but today it is standing on its own as a nutritious grain that is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. This low calorie, high nutrient rice can be added soups early in the cooking process, or simply keep some cooked and refrigerated to toss into salads, sprinkle on roasted veggies, or make casseroles like this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Butternut Squash and Cranberries. 

Choose Rolled Oats This Winter

Old-fashioned whole oats are rich in antioxidants, can lower blood sugar, and can better assist in weight loss than instant oats. A great way to use rolled oats in the winter is for home-baked muffins, cookies and granola bars. You can also use them in your morning smoothie to fight off hunger cravings through the morning. For smoothies, rolled oats are best because you don't have to cook them first and they blend better than steel-cut oats.

We hope these delicious and nutritious grains will delight your culinary tastes this winter as you enjoy the Ashford Green apartment homes in Charlotte, NC. Enjoy the best of local shopping, entertainment venues, and breathtaking views while relaxing in a spacious apartment with all the amenities you need to make a home.