Rice vs. Bread vs. Potatoes

Question
Hi,

Regarding the carbohydrate/starch portion of a meal, sometimes I have a choice.  I believe from all my reading that brown rice is the absolute best, but if that is not available I'd like to know the order in which I should choose other starches.

Can you tell me if the order I have listed these items (the first being the best choice) is correct?

1. Brown Rice
2. Potatoes
3. White Rice
4. Wheat Bread
5. White Bread

Thanks in advance for your response.
Lisa

Answer
Your best choices of starches are whole grains!  Whole grains include brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, popcorn, oats such as oatmeal, etc...  Bread needs to state "whole wheat" or "whole grain" to be made from whole wheat flour.  If it just says "wheat" bread it is made from white or refined flour.  So you are better off with brown rice vs. white rice and better off with whole wheat or whole grain bread vs. white breads.  White potatoes are OK but you get a better nutritional intake with sweet potatoes.  Brown rice is a whole grain just as whole wheat bread is.  One is not better than the other.  ALL whole grains are healthy!!
General Mills has a few good information sheets on whole grains that may help you out!
http://www.bellinstitute.com/nutrition/hn/wg.htm
Hope that helps,
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RDLD
www.Nutrifocus.net-

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