I was reading some fitness magazines this week (needed something to keep me busy during my flights) and I noticed that quite a few of them were recommending some kind of breakfast cereal as a way to start out your day. That’s interesting, because most breakfast cereals are actually not too healthy, especially the way we eat them here in the states.
And apparently, I wasn’t the only one reading those magazines since I got this email from a reader in Europe:
I recently visited the US and one of the most common commercials I saw was for cereals. There were many different advertisements but all of them claimed that cereals were healthy and good for you. How true is this?
What’s The Problem With Cereals?
Two things, they’re usually too much processed grains and they usually contain too much sugar. Is that always true? No, not all cereals are like this but the overwhelming majority is. That includes most kids’ cereals by the way. All those commercials about how many vitamins Trix has, or how Fruit Loops is the cereal moms recommend? Yah, if you believe that, I have some real estate I want to sell you.
So What Should I Look For In A Healthy Cereal?
A healthy cereal usually meants whole grains. It means no extra sweetners, so once you start seeing boxes talking about frosting and maple clusters, you’re probably in the unhealthy category. Ideally, it’s going to have less than 200 calories per serving, since most people will end up eating two servings for breakfast with some added milk for good measure. If possible, look for cereals high in fiber.
So Is A Cereal A Healthy Breakfast?
It can be. A good cereal, eaten in moderation can be a good source of many vitamins, protein and fiber. However, I would recommend keeping cereals to a minimum. Two or three times a week may be fine, but try to vary your breakfasts a bit. Try eggs one or two days a week, or maybe some cheese and vegetables.
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As with many foods, cereals can be a good healthy option if you pick wisely and eat them in moderation.
I’d say porridge (oatmeal) or oat-based, unsweetened, unsalted meusli is the closest thing you can get to a truly healthy breakfast cereal.
According to one study I read recently, the average serving of breakfast cereal poured is 3 times what the reccomended (and calculated) serving is. That is, 1/4 to 1/3 cup with most cereals, and Joe Breakfasaurus is pouring 3 times that amount. Doesn’t take much for 200 calories to turn into 600. Wow, now that’s food for thought.
I often have cereals for breakfast, but it’s always muesli (those ‘cereals for kid’ just don’t fill me). I don’t know if it fits the ‘good’ cereals category, since I don’t know what a serving represents, but the one I prefer is oatmeal-based, with fruits, and I don’t go over ~250 calories (that’s about 70g). What I know is that it’s one of the few breakfast foods, combined with a fruit and some skim milk, that really allow me to go from 7 am to 1 pm without being absolutely ravenous by the time it’s time to have lunch.
So, uh, yes, I guess I basically wanted to agree with the fact that not all cereals are appropriate for breakfast.
Am I the only freak who measures cereal?
I was having breakfast with friends once at their house, and I pulled out a measuring cup before I started (these are good friends and I know where all the kitchen stuff is stored). They stared in disbelief. On top of that, I was SHOCKED at the amount of sugar they used on cereal – something I have never done.
i just eat ggg with bread oh and maybe with some orange juice.
This post is also so good. i m really impressed………