Enriched wheat flour... made with whole grain... seven-grain... they all sound healthy, right? Unfortunately nutrition claims can be tricky and since whole-grain products have become the new black, every food manufacturer is jumping on the band wagon. But often, things that sound like whole grains aren't. The Whole Grains Council aims to promote true whole-grain products, make their recognition easier for consumers, and expand their use in manufactured food and in restaurants.

Earlier this year, the council kicked off the Just Ask campaign. The concept is simple. When you go out to eat, just ask for a whole-grain alternative. If, as consumers, we band together and request foods that are best for our health the restaurant industry will likely respond. It's simple to do. Just ask if they have brown rice instead of white, if they have whole-wheat toast, or if your sandwich can come in a whole-wheat wrap. In addition, if you know of a restaurant that already offers whole-grain options you can give them a pat on the back and enter them in a monthly prize drawing.