Cereals and potatoes

What are the main meals ?

The main meals are breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

How ?

• Opt for wholegrain cereal products, wherever possible.

• Vary the foods you eat : For example, alternate between potatoes, pasta, rice, cereals and bread.

• When you buy pre-packaged products, the Nutri-Score can help you make the right choices for a balanced diet. 
  

What is the difference between wholegrain products and refined (white) products ?

Wholegrain cereals contain the whole kernel. Grinding and eating the whole grain kernel ensures that the food keeps its vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Refined grains are milled to remove the bran and the germ. The bran and the germ are the components which contain the most vitamins and minerals. Milling also removes dietary fibre.

Multigrain products contain several types of grain, but this does not necessarily mean that these products are wholegrain.

Why ?

Cereals and potatoes contain starch, which is our body's main source of energy. It is used by all the organs, the nervous system, including our brain, and the muscles. Wholegrain cereals and potatoes are rich in fibre, minerals (magnesium, etc.) and B vitamins.

Pastries and cakes are not included in this food group. They contain a lot of sugar and fat, and should be counted as "extras".