Unhealthy Cereals can be Compared to Fast Foods

Cereal is a common choice for breakfast. But, parents might want to rethink this decision. A recent study from Yale University found that children's breakfast cereals are significantly less healthy than adult cereals. Unhealthy cereals with poor nutritional quality are promoted to a young impressionable audience using gimmicks like cartoon characters and teenage celebrities.

These unhealthy cereals have proved to have more sugar, sodium, carbohydrates, and calories per gram than cereals marketed toward adults. These sugary breakfast treats also have less fiber and protein than their adult-friendly competitors.

The Yale Report states, "A surprisingly low 34 percent of children's cereals met national nutrition standards for foods sold in schools, compared with 56 percent of adult cereals." Although the findings seem grim, health professionals suggest parents make healthier choices at the grocery store.

How do you do that?

The Yale Report also states, "You choose cereals that include four grams or less of sugar and four grams or more of fiber per serving." And, it's a good idea to include your child in this important decision making process. Talk to them about the choices and why one cereal is better than another. Turn your trip the grocery store into a lesson that will last a lifetime.

Remember, even if your child is very active, these sugary starters are simply creating bad habits. Also, try some new healthy alternatives for your morning meal. Some breakfast choices may include fresh fruit, whole grain breads or waffles, eggs and yogurts.

So next time you are strolling down the isle of your local grocery store and your child reaches for a sugar filled cereal box, think fast! Before adding the snacks to your cart check the label for nutritional facts. Less sugar, more fiber equals a healthier life for you and your child! Return to Previous Page