You already know that
\nsugary cereal isn\u2019t exactly a healthy food. <\/p>\n
Still, a recent study finds that
\nbreakfast cereals marketed to kids<\/b> may be getting even worse: sweeter, saltier and less nutritious. Consumer Reports has tips to help you make smarter choices
\nat the grocery store.<\/p>\n
A
\nrecent study took a close look at newly launched breakfast cereals between 2010
\nand 2023 that were geared to kids ages 5 to 12. Over that time, the fat,
\nsodium and sugar content trended higher, while some good stuff like protein
\nand fiber dropped.<\/p>\n
And when it comes to sugar, the numbers
\nreally jump out. <\/p>\n
On average, a single serving of cereal packed nearly three
\nteaspoons of sugar. According to the study authors, that’s about 45% of
\nthe maximum amount of added sugars the American Heart Association recommends a
\nchild have in an entire day.<\/p>\n
All
\nthis might have you looking beyond those brightly colored boxes. <\/p>\n
Consumer
\nReports has advice on how to choose a breakfast cereal that will offer your
\nkids \u2013 and your whole family \u2013 a better balance of nutrition! <\/p>\n
Breakfast
\ncan help kick-start the day. It can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep
\nyou satiated, making you less likely to overeat later in the day.<\/p>\n
Cereals are convenient
\nand can be a good source of some nutrients. That\u2019s why choosing the right one
\ncan make all the difference. <\/p>\n
When you\u2019re shopping for cereal, don\u2019t just check the front
\nof the box; flip it over and take a close look at the ingredients list and
\nnutrition facts. The ingredients are listed in order of amount, from most to
\nleast, so whole grains, like whole wheat, oats or barley, should be the first
\ningredient.<\/p>\n
Whole
\ngrains have fiber, which is great for your gut and keeps you full. <\/p>\n
You can further boost your
\ncereal’s fiber content by adding unsweetened dried or fresh fruit. Your cereal
\ndoesn’t have to be sugar-free to make it a healthy breakfast, but try to choose
\none with less than 6 grams of added sugar per serving.<\/p>\n
If
\nyour family\u2019s favorite cereal has more sugar than you\u2019d like, don\u2019t feel you
\nhave to give it up completely. Try mixing it half and half with a lower-sugar,
\nhigher-fiber cereal. <\/p>\n
That way, everyone stays happy, and you\u2019re sneaking in
\nsome extra nutrition. It\u2019s an easy way to find a good balance.<\/p>\n