Are Whole Grains Good for Weight Loss?

Mixed messages on whole grains have left many people confused about what to eat. Although the benefits of fiber are widely accepted, do whole grains have too many carbohydrates to fit into a healthy eating plan? How about for weight loss? Here's what the research has to say.

Understanding the difference between whole grains and refined grains is the first step to making sense of the studies. Whole grains retain all of their original components. For example, whole-grain wheat contains bran (the high-fiber outer layer) and the germ (which is rich in vitamin E). Refined grains, on the other hand, have been stripped of these nutritious layers, making them higher in simple starch and generally lower in fiber and other key nutrients.

Examples of whole grains include quinoa, oatmeal, whole wheat flour, popcorn, and brown rice. Enriched flour, white rice, and white bread are examples of refined grains.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects large-scale data on food patterns in children and adults across the United States. Upon examining NHANES data, researchers found that of the whole grains significantly improved intakes of fiber and other beneficial nutrients. Furthermore, both children and adults who meet the recommendations for whole-grain intake are shown to have a lower body mass index (BMI), reduced likelihood of overweight and obesity, and smaller waist circumferences.

Replacing refined grains with whole grains also appears to offer health benefits beyond weight loss. A 2012 study placed 79 overweight and obese postmenopausal women into two different groups. Both groups were on a calorie-restricted diet, but one was eating whole grains and the other consumed refined grains. Although both groups lost the same amount of weight, the whole-grain group had a greater decrease in their percentage of fat mass. Furthermore, the refined grain group had an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol). Aside from weight loss, whole grains show positive effects on body composition.

A large review of research on whole grains confirms this observation. There seems to be a consensus that replacing refined grains with whole grains leads to a decrease in body fat, even when body weight stays the same. This points out an important angle to consider when evaluating health based on body weight alone. The number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. Choosing whole grains over refined grains leads to internal body changes that impact more than just weight and BMI. Lower body fat mass and lower LDL cholesterol are both beneficial changes for heart health.

If you don't eat grains currently, adding whole grains to your meal plan can be a beneficial way to boost your total fiber intake. Fiber has well-documented benefits for weight loss. By increasing satiety and assisting with digestion, fiber plays an important role in sustainable weight loss. Unless you have been diagnosed with a health condition that restricts your grain intake, such as Celiac's disease, there is no reason to exclude grains from your eating plan.

Here are some ideas to integrate more whole grains (and fiber) into your life:

• Have a bowl of whole-grain oatmeal for breakfast. Choose steel-cut oats or old-fashioned oats without added sugar to get maximum nutrition out of your whole-grain breakfast. To make a single serving go further, try cooking them "growing oatmeal" style. 
• Snack on whole-grain crackers. Look for whole-grain crackers with simple ingredients and lots of fiber. Pile them up with veggies, avocado, nut butter, or hummus. For a high-protein sandwich substitute, add tomato slices, yellow mustard, and turkey slices.
• Wrap a whole-grain flatbread around your sandwich fixings. Instead of white bread or fluffy rolls, a whole-grain wrap or flatbread will keep you full for longer. Be sure to check the Ingredient's List on the food label for the words "whole grain."
• Use whole-grain cereal to "faux-fry" your favorite foods. Experiment with a clever kitchen hack by trading white flour and hot oil for high-fiber cereal and eggs. Create crunchy "fried chicken” the healthy way.

Everyone is a little bit different when it comes to striking an ideal balance of carbohydrates. If you're looking to make a healthy change, simply switch out refined carbohydrates for their less processed whole-grain counterparts. This is a great place to start that offers proven benefits. Experiment with natural foods you enjoy to find the right menu to fuel your body.