Let’s face it; it’s not easy to eat right all the time. We’re constantly rushed, on the go, and it’s hard to find healthy options while eating out or at fast food places. However, one way you can boost your healthy eating is by choosing whole grain products, whether or not you’re at home or not. Whole grain bread and other products are widely available everywhere, so you really have no excuses!

Whole grains are different than their unrefined counterparts. White bread, white rice, and other carbohydrates become unrefined when they are processed and the grain is stripped of its outer nutritious covering. This process makes these far less nutritious, and some say detrimental, for our health. Whole grains include vitamin E, iron, manganese, and zinc, and consuming them is vital to your diet.

Lest you think that the only whole grains you can find are wheat bread – think again! There are several varieties of whole grains that can be included in your daily diet for some delicious meals. Some, you may not have even heard about yet. Following is a list of some of the great options you can choose from.

Farro – Consistently used in Italian cooking, this grain is low-fat and low-cal, with a texture similar to rice. It’s a great alternative to Arborio rice, which is used in risotto, and other side dishes. You could also throw it into tossed salads or make a delicious summer salad with some grilled veggies and dressing.

Quinoa – One of my favorite alternative grains, quinoa is versatile and packed with nutrition. It’s high in fiber and protein, has a great crunchy texture, and is super easy to make. It’s pretty mild and can be used in so many dishes. I often make a casserole out of it with some sautéed veggies and some low fat feta cheese. Yum!

Millet – Another lovely choice, millet is gaining popularity in this country as a staple grain once more. It’s small and crunchy, and has more protein in it than brown rice and contains no gluten, so it’s great if you’re gluten free or have wheat allergies. It can beef up some of your dishes, such as soups or meatloaf, but is also great stuffed into zucchini with tomatoes, olives, and some low fat mozzarella.

Barley – A great addition to soups and stews, this is grain can help you lower your cholesterol and also contains the antioxidant selenium. If you can find pearl barley, this is a better option, as hulled barley loses its nutrition when processed. Try it as another alternative to Arborio rice, as it will absorb the broth and retain its crunchiness.

Bulgur – Chances are you’ve had bulgur if you’ve ever tried tabbouleh, a popular Middle Eastern dish. Bulgur is one of the first grains to be used by humans for consumption. It’s rich in folate, B vitamins, and fiber. To make tabbouleh, combine cooked bulgur with olive oil, tomatoes, a little garlic, scallions, parsley, and lemon juice and refrigerate for a few hours to combine the flavors. Sometimes I’ll add some kalamata olives, chick peas, feta cheese, cucumbers, or a jar of artichoke hearts packed in water to the recipe. Delicious!

You can find most of these delicious grains at your supermarket, generally in the organic or health food sections, or at specialty health food stores like Whole Foods. Give them a shot, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!