Impact of Convenience on Whole Grain Consumption

Intact whole grains (such as quinoa, buckwheat, and barley) contain all 3 parts of the kernel (bran, germ, and endosperm) compared to processed grains where the bran and germ layers have been removed. Intact whole grains have a higher nutritional value but are under consumed in the diet of most adults. In this proposed pilot study, 42 participants will be recruited to study the impact of convenience on intake of intact whole grains by comparing consumption of intact whole grains that are offered in a convenient pre-cooked ready-to-eat form compared to traditional bulk dried form that requires a more prolonged preparation and cooking time. The ready-to-eat meals will be processed using WSU microwave technologies to ensure food safety. All intact whole grains (ready-to-eat or dried) will be provided to participants, who will prepare and consume the grains at home over a period of 4 weeks. Type and volume of whole grain consumed will be monitored daily via REDCap survey, which will allow the investigators to see if adults are more likely to meet daily recommended intakes of whole grain servings when offered in a convenient form.

The investigators will evaluate the effects of convenience on intake of intact whole grains. Forty-two participants (19 years or older) will be randomized to receive intact whole grains of barley, buckwheat, and quinoa in either a convenient ready-to-eat (RTE) form or a bulk (DRIED) form. Enrollment in the study will continue until 42 participants have completed the study. Recruitment will include posters, word-of-mouth, and online newsletters. Interested individuals will complete an online survey to determine initial eligibility. Eligible participants will be contacted by study staff and invited to an in-person orientation session. At the in-person visit, participant eligibility will be verified. Eligible participants will review and sign the informed consent form. Using standard clinical protocols, trained research staff will collect baseline measurements of height and weight, randomize participants to either the RTE or DRIED condition, provide education on whole grains and how to prepare the study grains, and provide participants with a link to complete a questionnaire about eating habits. Lastly, participants will be sent home with the 7 days' worth of study grains. This visit will take up to 90 minutes to complete.

The intervention is a total of four weeks, during which participants will incorporate intact whole grains into their usual diet. Four weeks should be a sufficient to observe dietary changes. Daily during the study, participants will be prompted to complete a brief online survey to report the type and amount of study grains consumed over the course of the day.

Once per week during the intervention, participants will visit the WSU Food Lab, located in the Health Sciences Building on the WSU - Spokane Campus, for a 10-15-minute visit. During each visit, the investigators will provide one weeks' worth of study grains and review adherence to study protocols. At the end of the fourth week, participants will return to the laboratory for a final exit visit where study staff will measure participant weight and administer an exit survey and food frequency questionnaire. Statistical power calculations indicate that forty-two participants included in this pilot study is sufficient for detecting an effect of whole grain intake between the two study conditions.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to communicate in written and spoken English
* Not following a restricted diet
* Involved in home food preparation
* Daily access to working internet
* Daily access to working microwave, stove, refrigerator, and freezer

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dietary restrictions, including allergy/intolerances
* Latex allergy
* Following a diet to increase or decrease body weight
* Taking medications that promote weight loss
* Use of nicotine, marijuana, or illicit drugs
* Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or breastfeeding
* Inability to comprehend the nature of the study instructions
* No access to internet
* Planning to leave the Spokane area during the study
* Not fluent in the English language