Although cereal may provide an effective, healthy breakfast source, it may not be the best choice for fueling the body all day long. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, fad diets may help you incur initial weight loss but are not sustainable and usually lead to weight gain after you stop the diet. On the other hand, if you plan your cereal-based meals correctly, you may be able to fit most of the nutrients you need into a cereal bowl.
Basics
A balanced diet includes whole grains, fresh fruit and lean protein, all of which can be combined in a bowl of cereal. The only nutrients that may be difficult to incorporate in a cereal diet are those those come from fresh vegetables. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, complex carbohydrates are the most important ingredient required for energy.
Features
Topping off your cereal with fresh fruit and skin milk makes it a healthier option if you choose to use the meal as a staple of your diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, some cereals contain high levels of fat and sugar, however. Calories count on a diet, so make sure to read the labels before choosing your diet meal options. The most effective cereals to eat on a diet include those with at least 3 g of fiber in each serving, little or no added sugar and fewer than 120 calories per serving.
Considerations
A diet based heavily on eating cereal may provide a healthy eating plan for pregnant women, according to the Mayo Clinic. During pregnancy, women need additional levels of folate, or folic acid, to prevent birth defects. Fortified cereal is one of the most effective sources of folate and provides substantial fiber to maintain healthy bowel movements. One 3/4-cup of fortified cereal contains about 400 micrograms of folate, half of the required amount before conceiving and nearly one-third of the amount needed during pregnancy.
Benefits
You can lower your risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome by eating meals high in low-calorie fiber, fat-free protein and fresh fruit--a common mixture in a bowl of cereal. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, diets high in sugar and fat lead to obesity and a number of other serious conditions. Puff grain cereals can provide the most effective low-calorie alternative when you're faced with serious complications caused by obesity.
Warning
High-carbohydrate diets can be dangerous to your health. In addition to missing out on essential vitamins and minerals from a well-rounded balanced diet, you run the risk of developing heart disease. According to Science Daily, high glycemic foods such as cereal cause arterial walls to expand and place undue pressure on the heart. Over time, the increased pressure reduces the elasticity of the artery walls and can lead to heart attack or stroke.
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