Did you get to like grains?!

i dont eat it cause i dont care for it.

why does your trainer saying you are eating too few calories? what are your stats and weight goals?

I occasionally use quinoa to replace rice in some recipes (like stuffed bell peppers) or as a base for soaking up liquids just like rice. I also really like wile rice as well. Barley is a good additive for chili because it adds some bulk and has a similar texture to ground meat. I had barley in a soup once I think in Scotland? I'm apparently not very adventurous with my grains...

I've never gone to a trainer, but is it their job to advise you on nutrition? Hmmm....

I agree with upping your calories. Perhaps grains are mentioned because they are a relatively cheap way to increase your calories. Since you are a meat and potatoes gal I suggest trying one new grain a week, and keep the recipes you like. No need to buy loads of these grains just to slowly go rancid in your cupboard. Buy small amounts and gradually add more variety to your diet. Bulk Barn is a great source for different grains. Here's how I like my grains:

Rye, like it in a loaf, in a Reuben sandwich.
whole wheat bread - sounds good!
quinoa - boil in water 1/2 proportion (one cup grain to two cups water) until water absorbed. You may cook in broth for more flavour. Treat as a side to your meal.
whole barley - simmered for twenty minutes in a soup. You can get those soup mixes where you boil the whole thing and it usually includes barley, lentils, spices, and bouillion.
buckwheat - can be prepared like the quinoa or the barley.
spelt - prepared as described above.
oats - you recognize.
hemp - very high calorie, to be eaten more like a nut or seed than a grain. It can usually be found in organic cereal mixes and I wouldn't eat more than a tablespoon at once.
chia seeds - very high fiber, very high calorie, eaten much like hemp. It absorbs many times it's weight in water or milk.

Look up Dragon's Blend cereal, which will have both hemp and chia in it. You might like it.

Others have mentioned corn and rice; also very good grain choices.

There's a fancy way of preparing grains for a tasty side dish. My meat-and-potatoes man likes when I do this. What you do is heat the grains in a pan in oil until well toasted, with or without onion. Then you add water to the pan and cook until the water is absorbed. The grain when cooked this way has a nice texture. Here's a rather (complicated) example.

http://www.goodfood.com.au/good-food/cook/recipe/braised-buckwheat-with-roast-beetroot-and-eggplant-20130725-2qlf5.html

CeeBeeSlim wrote: »

This time I hired the trainer who told me 1200 was too low for me given I work out 5 days a week, two of those 5 days I do back to back classes. Because i did reach my goal twice at 1200 the thought of going to 1400 (minimum she says) scares me. But heck somethings not working so I figure I'd try it her way - she says I'm not fueling it enough.

This, on the other hand, seems like good advice from the trainer. I'm 5'3, 46, and 125, and no way would 1200 be enough for me when working out hard like that. I last lost weight with a goal of around 1650 (I've been taking a break for a while).

Corn and rice and oatmeal and wheat count as grains.

Variety is the spice of life! Why not try one new recipe per week?

I use chia seeds all the time in smoothies. They are the secret ingredient for keeping me fuller longer.

For buckwheat, I make Kasha Varnishkes - Jewish Buckwheat Groats With Noodles. The recipe I use is from the Joy of Cooking and includes mushrooms sauteed with the onions. I was actually going to make meatloaf and potatoes Friday but maybe I will make this instead, cooking the hamburger with the mushrooms and onions.

Barley is great in stews, especially Beef & Barley Soup: http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/beef-barley-soup/
My Joy calls for 3/4 C rather than the 1 C in this adaptation.

I make a Three Grain Pilaf with quinoa, millet, and rice. You'll want to shop around for quinoa - now that it's trendy, demand has outstripped supply and prices have skyrocketed.