The Truth about breakast cereals

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give you energy to start a new day, but breakfast is linked to many health benefits, and improves performance.

Eating breakfast is important for everyone, but it’s especially so for children and adolescents. Children who eat breakfast perform better in the classroom and on the playground, with better concentration, problem-solving skills, and eye-hand coordination.

Do you know what you are really eating?

Most people start the morning with a bowl of cereal, but do they know what they are really eating?

Some cereals are full of sugar and some may contain as much salt as a serve of potato crisps. Most cereals are packed in bright coloured boxes, some with cartoon characters and the endorsement of games designed to appeal to kids. But are they really good for them and you?

Fibre deserves a place in the Nutrition hall of fame for its ability to promote fullness; it increases growth of friendly bacteria in the body, promotes bulky bowel movement and may assist with cholesterol health.

Processed cereals are bad for you… Just ask your waist line

Processed cereals are made from highly refined grains that are low in fibre. These cereals are digested quickly, causing blood sugar levels to spike and decline, leaving you feeling hungry an hour or two later. This process increases your risk of ill health, and weight gain.

Remember that label claims don’t always tell the truth about what’s actually in the box. So when you are choosing a cereal, choose cereals with at least 3 to 5 grams of fibre. However be sceptical of claims like “40 percent of your daily fibre,” which is a sign that the fibre isn’t the natural kind. There are easier ways to include fibre in any cereals you choose to eat. Simply adding other ingredients which contain high fibre content such as half-cup of raspberries, psyllium husk, flaxseeds and chia seeds are great alternatives.

The good news is there are so many healthy choices 

When looking for breakfast foods, choose real foods that are not processed. Good breakfast choices include high quality, organic eggs, eaten raw in smoothies or cooked. Eggs can be cooked as delicious omelettes, soft or hard boiled with vegetables and cheeses.

Another delicious, nutritious breakfast is porridge or breakfast grains such as oats soaked overnight in almond milk mixed with berries, sultanas and apple, then in the morning just add plain yoghurt. The overnight soaking releases nutrients and breaks down the phytic acid of grains helping with digestion. Porridge eaten with butter and raw milk increases the nutrient density of this breakfast.

If in a hurry, a smoothie made with raw pastured eggs, yoghurt, raw coconut cream, coconut oil, organic frozen berries/veggies and other preferred super foods can be taken to go. Raw pastured milk, yogurt, kefir and cheese are other quick, nutritious breakfast options. Fresh organic vegetable juices can also help jump start your day.

Don’t be fooled by what is advertised on the front of the box. Read the ingredients of your cereal before you buy and don’t be afraid to try a different variety of breakfast options.