1 Cup Cooked Instant Grits has approximately 161 calories, making it a filling and heartening breakfast option. Instant grits are a popular convenience food among American households, primarily because they require minimal preparation time and offer a variety of flavor options for consumers. But what exactly are instant grits and how nutritious are they?
Instant grits are essentially cornmeal that has been ground into small granules and precooked to reduce cooking time. They are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to make up for the lost nutrients during the production process. A one-cup serving of cooked instant grits contains about 2 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, no cholesterol, and only 1 gram of fat. They are also gluten-free, making them a suitable breakfast option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
This article intends to provide you the necessary information about instant grits, their nutritional values, health benefits, and recipes to help you make a more informed decision when adding them into your diet.
Calories in 1 Cup Cooked Instant Grits
A typical one-cup cooked instant grits serving has about 161 calories. But that’s not all you're consuming, the nutritional values of instant grits is what makes them an excellent breakfast option. Apart from carbohydrates, instant grits provide essential vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and folate. Moreover, the addition of milk, cheese, or butter to instant grits helps increase the nutritional value, making it a complete breakfast meal.
Instant Grits Nutrition Facts
Instant grits are nutritionally rich, providing a significant number of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients in every serving. Here are a few nutritional facts about instant grits: - A cup of cooked instant grits offers about 17% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron and 12% of thiamin. - They are low in calories, fat, and cholesterol and have no sugar, making them an ideal breakfast food for those trying to lose weight.
Instant Grits vs Regular Grits
Regular grits and instant grits are essentially the same ingredient, but with different textures due to the processing method. Here are a few differences between instant grits and regular grits: - Regular grits are made by slowly cooking finely ground cornmeal in water or milk, while instant grits are precooked and dried for easy preparation. - Regular grits have a more distinct corn flavor and tend to have more gritty texture. Instant grits, on the other hand, have a smoother texture with added flavorings such as cheese or herbs.
Low-Calorie Instant Grits Recipes
Instant grits are versatile and easy to customize as per your taste preferences. Here are a few low-calorie instant grits recipes to give you an idea: - Instant Grits with Spinach and Egg Whites: Cook instant grits and add them to a pan of sautéed spinach and egg whites for a nutrient-rich breakfast that’s ready in minutes. - Instant Grits with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil: For a quick, delicious, low-calorie grits bowl, top hot cooked grits with roasted tomatoes and basil, and enjoy!
Benefits of Eating Instant Grits
Instant grits are a powerhouse of nutrition that offers several health benefits to your body. Here are some of the benefits of eating instant grits: - They help reduce stress levels and keep anxiety at bay due to their high magnesium content. - Instant grits also support healthy digestion, as they are high in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Instant Grits and Weight Loss
Instant grits are often considered a perfect breakfast option for people who want to lose weight. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making you feel full for longer periods. Additionally, instant grits are an excellent source of iron, which is necessary for maintaining a healthy metabolism. A healthy metabolism is essential for burning calories and losing weight.
Are Instant Grits Healthy?
Instant grits are a relatively healthy breakfast option compared to other convenient foods. They offer an array of nutrients and vitamins that our body needs to function correctly. However, it's crucial to use instant grits sparingly and not as a substitute for a balanced meal with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. Moreover, certain instant grits packets may contain preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. Hence, it's vital to read the ingredient label before purchasing instant grits.
Instant Grits Cooking Tips
Cooking instant grits is incredibly simple and takes less than five minutes to prepare. Here are a few cooking tips to help you cook perfect instant grits every time: - Boil water or milk in a saucepan or microwave. - Add instant grits to the boiling water or milk and stir for 30 seconds. Cover the pan and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Instant Grits Breakfast Ideas
Instant grits are an ideal breakfast option for busy mornings, as they are quick to prepare and versatile. Here are a few instant grits breakfast ideas to get you started: - Instant Grits with Sausage and Cheese: Cook instant grits, add browned sausage, and shredded cheese for a hearty, satisfying breakfast. - Instant Grits with Cinnamon Apples: Top hot cooked grits with sautéed cinnamon apples and a drizzle of honey for a delicious bowl of sweetness.
Instant Grits Variations
If you are looking to switch up your instant grits game, here are a few exciting variations to try out: - Instant Grits with Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese: Cook instant grits, add cooked shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and cheddar cheese for a savory and flavorful breakfast. - Instant Grits with Blueberries and Cinnamon: Top hot cooked grits with a handful of fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a sweet and tangy breakfast bowl.
Instant grits are essentially cornmeal that has been ground into small granules and precooked to reduce cooking time.
5 FAQ About Cooked Instant Grits
1. What are instant grits?
Instant grits are a type of grits that have been pre-cooked and dehydrated for faster cooking time. They are made from ground corn kernels and are a popular Southern breakfast food.
2. How many calories are in 1 cup of cooked instant grits?
One cup of cooked instant grits contains approximately 161 calories. This may vary depending on the type of instant grits used and any added ingredients.
3. Are instant grits healthy?
Instant grits are a good source of carbohydrates, but they can be high in sodium and low in fiber. It is important to check the nutritional label and opt for low-sodium options, and to pair instant grits with fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
4. How do you cook instant grits?
To cook instant grits, simply add the desired amount of water or milk to a pot and bring to a boil. Gradually stir in the instant grits and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fully cooked and smooth. Add salt, butter or cheese to taste, if desired.
5. What are some ways to serve instant grits?
Instant grits can be served plain, or with added toppings such as cheese, bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs. They can also be used as a base for dishes such as shrimp and grits, or as a side dish for fried chicken or BBQ ribs.