You may be like millions of Americans who feel rushed in the morning. Between getting ready for work, preparing the kids’ lunches and getting everyone on their way, who has time for breakfast? Skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for your diet and health. Studies have shown that individuals who choose not eat breakfast on a regular basis are more inclined to gorge themselves on fatty foods by lunch, consequently gaining unwanted pounds over time.
A bowl of cereal is a quick and easy way to eliminate skipping breakfast. What could be more convenient than pouring some cereal into a bowl and adding milk? While preparing it may take a minute, buying it is crucial. Below are some of the important factors to look for in cereal before making your purchase.
1. High in fiber
There should be at least three grams of fiber per serving in order to reap the benefits of fiber in your selected cereal. Most sugary type cereals only contain one gram of fiber per serving, while other high-fiber cereals contain more than three grams. The National Fiber Council recommends at least 32 grams of fiber each day for a healthy adult. According to research conducted at Columbia University the average American consumes approximately half of the recommended daily allowance.
Having enough fiber in your diet provides a wealth of benefits for your stomach, small and large intestine and even your heart. Fiber helps to regulate weight and lowers cholesterol that has otherwise been trapped. The benefits of fiber are vast and it is important to start the day off right with a substantial amount of the daily recommended dose of fiber.
2. Vitamin and mineral fortified
Cereals that are rich in vitamins and minerals provide a healthy way to start your day. If your diet is full of healthy protein sources, vegetables and fruit, then you may be getting the daily allowances of vitamins and minerals recommended by the FDA, but if your diet is poor in quality, a healthy bowl of cereal may be just what you need. It is important to look for cereal choices that include calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and folic acid.
Vitamin rich cereals are especially important for picky children who avoid vegetables and healthy foods at all costs. Children, especially those who are finicky with what they eat, can always use the extra vitamins found in cereal.
3. Low in sugar
Cereals with a lot of sugars should be avoided. While the grocery store shelves are full of colorful boxes and fun to eat shapes, not all cereals are good for you. Look for cereals that have less than five grams of sugar per serving. Many children, teens and even adults eat more than one serving of cereal if they like it, so it is important to choose cereals that are low in sugar.
Most of the high sugary cereals have over ten grams of sugar per serving, while the healthier grain options have less than five grams. Cereals may be sweetened up by adding fresh berries, sliced bananas or raisins to the bowl. Natural sweeteners, other than sugar, may also be added to the bowl.
4. Avoid artificial flavors
Cereals that have little or no artificial flavorings or colorings are better for you than those that do. Many of the artificial flavorings are sweeteners and taste enhancers that are not naturally made. While at the grocery store, glance over the ingredients list and look for words that you can’t pronounce. Those are typically the flavor enhancers. You want to see words like whole wheat and multi-grain among the ingredients listed on the box. It is also better if whole wheat or multi-grain is listed among the top three ingredients. The top ingredients are more saturated in the cereal.
It pays to read labels and be aware of ingredients to look for when choosing the right cereal for you and your family. Selecting a cereal that is rich in fiber and multi-grains is among your best choice when it comes to eating healthy. As more and more health conscious people demand better food choices, cereal makers are sure to stock the shelves with a wider and tastier selection of healthy cereals.
