We all know that breakfast is the most important of the day and it is easy to see why cereals are one of the most important breakfast foods available. With brands like cheerios, frosties, lcoco pops and lucky charms cereals the sheer variety of different types of cereal available means there really is something for everyone. You may be surprised to find that the type cereal you choose can make a big difference and choosing the right type will help to get your day off to a good start, nutritionally speaking at least.
Enjoying a nice hot cereal can make you feel 5 years old all over again. It brings back memories of those cold winter mornings when you were young and you would eat porridge in the morning before running out to play in the snow. Clearly cereals like oatmeal are going to be healthy options and they will come in good wholesome unsweetened versions as well as their more sugary processed equivalent.If you insist on giving your children the healthier unsweetened brand then you may allow them a little treat by adding honey and some fruit.
Another healthy option is whole grain cereals. The most commonly found brands of this type of cereal are Cheerios and Shredded wheat and feature very little or in some cases no added sugars at all.Researchers at American universities have found that oat based whole grain cereals may even help to lower cholesterol and contribute to the improved health of your heart. Other types of whole grains such as whole wheat will help to fill you up in the morning, preventing you from feeling hungry.The added benefit of having unprocessed cereals like these is that it will help to avoid the sugar roller coaster in your brain that some processed cereals may cause.
Bran cereals such as bran flakes are another popular offering for the breakfast table.Not only can fibre help to make you feel more full but it will also improve your digestion and regularity.Many people don’t get enough fibre in their diet so adding a bran based cereal to your every day routine may help you to supplement that.
It’s no coincidence that sugary processed cereals are placed at the child’s eye level in the supermarket. With their colourful packaging and cartoonish branding they are naturally attractive to youngsters.Not only will these have lots of sugar but they will also contain some additional preservatives.Ideally these shouldn’t be eaten on a daily basis as they are best served as an occasional treat. If your child has too much sugar as part of their diet then you may notice the sugar rush will affect their mood.
Organic cereals are understandably becoming more and more popular.The most popular brands are produced in a manner similar to most cereals, however these particular types of cereal are made using ingredients that are free of fertilizers and pesticides.Most cereals available in the supermarket will make use of some natural sweeteners that are not over processed and they will also contain lots of whole grains.
If you are in any doubt about the type of cereal to buy, make sure that you check the ingredients on the packet and this will help to indicate whether it will be a suitably healthy and nutritious option.