Breakfast cereal is one of the most popular foods consumed in the morning. Most people eat cold cereal with milk, but hot cereal is also a filling and nutritious choice. The best cereals are healthy while also having a good taste. To chose the best breakfast cereal, the ingredients should be checked. A cereal made from whole grains that is high in fiber and low in sugar is generally a good choice. Partially-hydrogenated fats and added sugars are ingredients in cereal that should be avoided.
A breakfast cereal that is healthy is usually made from whole grains. When looking at cereals, the package label should be inspected and these ingredients should be listed first. A cereal brand may advertise that it is made from whole grains, but it may actually be a combination of whole and less desirable refined grains. Refined grains include wheat flour, rice, and corn meal.
Too much sugar can make an otherwise healthy breakfast cereal an unhealthy choice. Cereals with added sugar should be avoided. Very sweet cereals that are not made from whole grains provide very little nutritional value. If sweet cereal is a personal preference, a bowl of cereal can be sweetened with the addition of fresh fruit or a small amount of brown sugar. Some people also enjoy using a vanilla-flavored non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, on their cereal, which adds a sweet taste.
Partially-hydrogenated fats, also known as trans fats, have been found to be very unhealthy. Most cereals no longer include trans fats in the ingredients, but there are several popular varieties that do. It is recommended that a cereal with partially-hydrogenated fats be avoided in favor of a healthier option.
A good choice for a breakfast cereal is typically one that contains a good amount of fiber. It is recommended that a cereal with at least seven grams of fiber be consumed for breakfast. Fiber can help a person feel full longer and may also aid in digestion.
Hot cereal, like oatmeal, is also a good breakfast option, though not as popular as cold varieties. These cereals are usually made of whole grains and contain little to no added sugar. Hot cereal is often considered the breakfast of choice for a person that is trying to lose weight, lower his cholesterol, or control blood sugar. Some people consider the taste of hot cereal to be bland, but it can be flavored with cinnamon, fruit, or small amounts of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.