The Whole Grain Truth

Posted by: Janet on: November 22nd, 2007  »  1 comment

My sister and I are currently in the middle of filming our TV series, Eat, Shrink and Be Merry, season deux. (That’s “two” for you Americans, or for those who were never awarded a single gold star from the French teacher). But Tuesday, we had a break from our usual action, and had the very cool experience of filming a TV commercial! A while back, we were contacted by the super-nice folks at Dempster’s to do a 30-second spot for their excellent line of Whole Grain breads. Both of us really, really like this bread and buy it all the time, so we were more than happy to oblige. Our favourite is “Ancient Grains,” made with flax, spelt, millet, kamut, amaranth and quinoa. Delicious AND nutritious! What more can you ask for? (Hey! I should do a commercial!)

Filming the commercial was quite the production–much more elaborate than what we’ve experienced with our TV show. The setting was at Greta’s house in Kitchener. The crew began arriving at 7 am (Yikes! That’s early for me, the Rumplestiltskin of our duo. Isn’t sleeping in one of the greatest pleasures in life?). There were 17 crew members in all. That’s a whole lotta people for a 30-second commercial! We were so impressed with how professional everyone was, how each person had their certain job to do and how well they did it. They were like Ninja TV crew! In a matter of minutes, it seemed, Greta’s stone farmhouse was dramatically transformed into a TV kitchen set, protective rugs were strewn everywhere to guard against damage to her hardwood floor, cardboard was taped to corners of walls to prevent marking and scraping, lighting was set up and lit up and then it was “camera, action!”

You wouldn’t believe how much goes into making a commercial. So many intricate details. Everything broken into little mini-scenes. Many takes and retakes with different camera angles. Greta and I both screwing up our lines! It was a lot of fun!

“But it’s the whole-grain truth! And look, it has the Health-Check logo, so you know it’s a smart choice!” See, I DID memorize my lines, and delivered them convincingly, too! And with emotion–just like I’m doing now. Look out Julia Roberts! Watch your back, Hilary Swank!

By the way, if you’re searching for healthier breads, look for the words “Whole Grain” to appear at the top of the ingredients list. Not “whole wheat,” which is still very processed and whose suntanned look is usually due to molasses being added as a colouring agent. And multigrain? Yes, it’s definitely way better than plain ol’ white bread which is the most processed, refined stuff you can buy, so devoid of nutrients and fiber that manufacturers have to add back the nutrients (enriched bread.) Multigrain will have more fiber and nutrients, for sure. But remember that “multigrain” simply means “many grains.” Depending on the manufacturer and their manufacturing process, the “many grains” might still be refined and processed. “Whole grain,” however, means that all of the good stuff is still in tact. It hasn’t been run through the ringer, chopped, diced and sliced, and stripped of all its nutrients. It’s not so processed. It’s close to its original, natural form. That’s what your body really wants. That’s what it really needs. And that’s the whole grain truth and nothin’ but the truth!

Comments (1)

  1. Reply

    Ola S. | July 6, 2008 at 1:30 pm →

    Speaking of Greta’s house, is that the exterior of it in the closing segment of Eat, Shrink and Be Merry when the phone rings?

    P.S. I’m a fan of Ancient Grains bread myself! :D

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