Simply Healthy Cereal Choices

A bowl of cereal can be a great way to start the day. However, not all cereals are created equally. Some cereals are so loaded with sugar that they are bowls of candy in disguise. The more a box of cereal resembles a box of cookies or candy, the less nutrition it's likely to have, even if it's fortified.

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With the many options in the supermarket, picking a healthy cereal can feel like mission impossible. The best way to choose a genuinely healthy cereal is to inspect the nutritional label carefully. Try to choose cereals that are high in fiber, low in fat and low in sugar. However, looking at the ingredient list instead of the total sugar count can help when determining how much sugar that cereals with dried fruit added contain. For example, with 19 grams of sugar, Raisin Bran may seem like a bad choice. However, its sugar is mainly that contained in the raisins instead of added sugar. Dried fruit also boosts cereals' nutrition.


Look for a cereal that's high in fiber - cereals that contain 5 grams of fiber or more will keep hunger at bay longer, especially when paired with milk's protein. Any cereal with bran listed as an ingredient will boost fiber amounts.{relatedarticles}Bran contains a lower glycemic index than corn- or rice-based cereals and will therefore keep you fuller longer by keeping blood sugar steady. Ingredients you don't want to see listed on the label include high fructose corn syrup and saturated fat, present in some granola cereals.