Cereal can be a nutritious and convenient breakfast food for kids, but many brands are loaded with sugar and marketed with deceptive health claims. Here’s how to find a wholesome cereal for your child.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Starting the day with breakfast is important for kids.
It can help them perform better in school by boosting energy and improving concentration.
Cereal can be a convenient and nutritious option, but many brands aren’t exactly healthy.
Cereals aimed at children are often relatively high in added sugar… with a typical serving containing as much sugar as several chocolate chip cookies.
To keep sugar in check, read labels and look for cereals with 6 grams or fewer per serving.
And keep in mind that added sugar comes in many different forms, including ones that sound healthier such as:
Honey…Molasses…Brown sugar…And juice concentrate.
To the body, though, they’re all just sugar.
Also, pay attention to fiber. Ideally the cereal should have 3 or more grams.
And the first ingredient listed should be “whole,” which means the cereal is whole grain.
Ignore claims on the front of the box, such as “made from whole grains” or a “good source of vitamins.” These are often misleading.
Serving sizes can also be deceptive. They’re frequently smaller than the amount people actually eat, so your child could be consuming more calories and sugar than what’s listed on the label.
What’s more, just because a cereal is organic… “natural”…or low-fat …
Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy.
The same goes for granola, which may sound like a healthier option. But often it’s not.
Hot cereals such as grits or oatmeal can be a good choice.
But watch out for instant flavored oatmeals, which can be high in sugar.
If you can’t get your kids to eat healthy cereals, try adding natural sources of sweetness such as bananas or berries.
Or serve a small amount of cereal they like, mixed with a healthier cereal.
By looking past cartoon characters and marketing slogans to find a wholesome cereal for your child, you’ll be getting their day off to a healthy start.