Let’s banish this idea once and for all: Carbs are not the devil! Although past fad diets like Atkins dwell on depriving yourself of carbohydrates, other healthy diet lifestyles such as Weight Watchers insist that it’s okay to include carbs in your diet, as long as they’re the right kinds (even the Skinny Bitch lifestyle includes yummy carbs!).

Often, whole grains get lumped into the scary carbohydrate category and people are hesitant to include them in their diets. Well, a new study should completely put your fears to rest and even encourage you to factor them back into your daily intake.

Researchers at Penn State found that people who trimmed calories and increased their whole-grain intake shed more belly fat. In comparison, dieters in the study who mainly ate refined grains, like white bread, were able to lose weight, but they trimmed less fat from the middle.

So, here are just a few of my favorite whole grain snacks and foods that are quick and easy to eat in between classes and extracurriculars…

Kashi - All of their products are made with whole grains. Their cereals rock (I keep a box in my desk drawer whenever I need a crunchy fiber boost during the day), and I love the snack bars as well as the cookies.

Food for Life - I’ve mentioned this before, but I love these products. Not only are they made with all natural whole grains, but they are completely flourless. The cereal is great, but a little bland if you eat it plain so I usually put a little Splenda in it to sweeten up my morning. I love the english muffins as well for an easy snack.

Nabisco Whole Grain products - I love the whole grain fig newtons. Since they’re a bit high in sugar, it’s important to eat in moderation and not scarf down the whole package!

So, there’s just enough time to add whole grains into your diet, hit the gym hardcore, and lose that extra beer weight around your belly before you hit the beach for Spring Break.