CEREAL SOLUTIONS

I often get asked what is the best breakfast cereal. There are many healthy breakfast cereals and there are countless not-so-healthy ones too. I opt for cereals that are not sweetened with sugar and that have at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, but preferably 5 or more grams of fiber. Fiber is so important to overall health, disease prevention stabilizing blood glucose levels & weight loss/maintenance. I find that many people, especially those who are attempting to lose weight will chose low calorie cereals that are low in nutrient density in an effort to keep their calorie count low. They will choose cereals like Special K or Rice Krispies, which are low in calories, but also low in fiber & protein. I also see that often people will eat the same cereal every single morning week in and week out. If this is you, then here is my recommendation: add some variety to your breakfast by adding some different cereal choices to your pantry. Chose high fiber whole grain cereals that are rich in nutrients and maybe even have a little more calories, which in the end will leave you feeling more satisfied and better nourished. There are many healthy high fiber cereals that are also rich in plant-based proteins too which is a great bonus. One thing I like to do is create my own cereal cocktail. I will mix 3 or 4 different types of cereals together to create a completely new cereal – it is fun, yummy, & keeps my breakfast interesting and my taste buds LOVE it! See what tasty cereal creation you can come up with.

Every time I go to the store I spend at least 5-10 minutes reading breakfast cereal labels to find ones that are loaded with whole grains, high in fiber, and have little to no added sugar (preferably sweetened with fruit or fruit juice concentrate, honey, or brown rice syrup.) Here are a few brands and cereals by name that I have found.

Cereal brands that tend to produce high quality, nutrient rich cereals:

Arrowhead Mills
Natures Path
Health Valley
Back To Nature
Benefit Nutrition
Kashi

Some specific cereals that are whole grains with little or no added sugar:

Weetabix
100% Shredded Wheat (also Shredded Wheat ‘n Bran)
Grape Nuts
Puffed Cereals (puffed wheat, puffed rice, puffed barley, puffed millet, puffed corn, etc)

On my last shopping trip I found these cereals that I liked:

Benefit Nutrition: Simply Fiber, Protein Plus
Back To Nature: Heart Basics
Natures Path: Flax Plus, Heritage Whole Grains, Multigrain Oatbran
Health Valley: Organic Amaranth Flakes, Organic Golden Flax
Weetabix: Weetabix Crispy Flakes


Top of The Morning To You! Make Today Your Best Day!


Your Healthy Lifestyle Mentor – Melissa Guthrie
Melissa@Yourlifestylementor.com