Cereal is perhaps one of the most popular breakfast meals there is. It is convenient, quick to prepare and if a person chooses the right kind, it is a healthy start to the day. The health education website of the Mayo Clinic recommends looking for cereal that is low in sugar, but high in nutrients like fiber and vitamins. In addition, cereals that are made from whole grains are healthier choices than their refined-grain counterparts. Many types of healthy cereals are available for someone who wants to eat a healthy breakfast.
Nature's Path Organic Smartbran
Nature's Path Organic Smartbran contains both psyllium and oatbran, both of which are high in fiber, according to Heart-Healthy Living, a Better Homes and Gardens website. Fiber is an important nutrient to incorporate into a healthy breakfast because it keeps the stomach full on minimal calories and fat. This helps prevent overeating at the next meal or snack. One serving of Nature's Path Organic Smartbran cereal is 2/3 cup and contains 13 grams of fiber with only 6 grams of sugar. Adding some fruit and skim milk makes this a healthy, well-rounded breakfast meal.
Post Shredded Wheat
Many cereal companies make their own version of shredded wheat, but the Heart-Healthy Living website recommends the Post version because it contains almost an entire day's worth of whole grains in one serving, which helps keep weight and cholesterol down. Choosing a frosted variety ups the sugar content in a bowl of this type of cereal so the plain version is a healthier choice. Post sells a box of shredded wheat with dried strawberries already mixed in, but fresh berries or bananas can be stirred in to any variety. A serving of Post shredded wheat with strawberries is 1-1/4 cups, which contains 6 grams of fiber and 14 grams of sugar. However, the kind without the added fruit will contain less sugar per serving.
Kashi Go Lean Crunch
Kashi Go Lean Crunch is a healthy breakfast cereal for those who like granola, something that is often high in calories and sugar. This version weighs in at only 13 grams of sugar with 8 grams of fiber. Kashi Go Lean Crunch can be mixed into other healthy breakfast cereals to add some sweetness. One combination to try is Kashi Go Lean Crunch and bran cereal because bran cereal alone can often be rather plain in taste. In addition, Kashi Go Lean Crunch contains soy protein, which supports heart health. One serving of this cereal is 1 cup and it is delicious sprinkled on yogurt for a healthy morning meal.
Bran Cereals
Bran cereals are made with oats, wheat or rice and and are high in cholesterol-lowering fiber and heart-protecting antioxidants, reports Fit Day, a website operated by Internet Brands, Inc. Many bran cereals are bland, but mixing in some fresh fruit can up the flavor, making them more palatable. Most cereals of this type will declare on the box that they are made from bran on the box, but a quick scan of the ingredient list will confirm this information. Many have several types of bran and also contain protein and many vitamins and minerals that are essential to good health. Serving size will vary by brand, but is usually around 1 cup, providing about 7 grams of fiber.
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