Pasta, rice, and grains are • a good source of complex carbohydrates or starch. • naturally low in fat; not high calories unless fat is added. • naturally low in sodium. • a source of important vitamins either naturally or from enrichment. • a source of minerals, especially iron. • delicious! It could be said that this group of foods can “fill you up without filling you out!” Some people think that bread, cereals, rice, and pasta are “fattening.” This is not true. The reason that some people think of these foods as high in calories is they are often served with added spreads, sauces, or recipe ingredients that are high in fat. Culinary experts today have developed recipes that have great taste with moderate calories. These recipes begin with pasta, rice, and grain products cooked with the correct culinary technique.