Cereal, Not Just For Kids!

Hi Ladies, I was scrolling about for healthy snack ideas and while I was looking for something new, an old true standby begged me to stop...cereal. I am an avid granola/cereal on the road proponent, I think it started after I had my daughter...snacking out of her zip-lock of cereal on long baby jogger-runs! To follow are tips I found on a variety of cereal bits. Enjoy.

Steel-Cut Oats

Pour it on: More cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber than any other oatmeal; also contains beta-glucan, which may improve immune strength after hard exercise.
Wait a sec: The catch? These roughly cut oats take 30 minutes to cook, but the health benefits are well worth the wait.
Dig In: Prerun. Steel-cut oats take a while to digest, so you'll stay fuller longer.

Old-Fashioned, Quick-Cooking, and Instant Oats

Pour it on: Oats are steamed, flattened, and chopped. They're easily digested, allowing for a fast release of carbs.
Wait a sec: Many instant varieties come with added sugars-so check the label.
Dig In: Postrun, when the quick carbs can help replenish your glycogen stores.

Multigrain Hot Cereal

Pour it on: Bored with oatmeal? Try multigrain mixes for a different texture and taste. Pick one with at least three types of whole grains for a variety of nutrients.
Wait a sec: "Multigrain" doesn't guarantee whole grains, so read the label. These mixes can take 30 minutes to cook.
Dig In: At dinner. Many multigrain cereals work great as a supper side dish.

Cold Cereal

Pour it on: Quick and convenient, cereal is often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Milk boosts protein and calcium. Look for at least five grams of fiber per serving.
Wait a sec: Many have tons of sugar. Aim for 12 grams or less per serving. If it has dried fruit, then higher sugar is okay.
Dig In: For a late-night snack. A slightly sweet cereal of around 160 calories a cup can satisfy a sugar craving while providing fiber.

Granola

Pour it on: Made with oats, barley, and other whole grains, granola provides good amounts of fiber and carbs along with nutrients from dried fruits and nuts.
Wait a sec: It's often made with added fat. Go with brands that have 160 calories and four grams of fat or less per half cup.
Dig In: For a midafternoon snack. Add a sprinkle of granola to plain yogurt or mix with another cereal to save on calories.

Add to your cart : Greek Yogurt

This creamy-tasting yogurt (which contains live cultures) is made by straining and removing liquid whey. The result is a denser yogurt that's higher in protein than traditional kinds. Choose low-fat or fat-free varieties--they have a third to half the calories of full-fat.

My mom swears by oats and you can bet that is what she fed us as soon as the morning weather turned every fall. Thanks for the added info, maybe I'll take mom's advice...and yours!

Posted by: Karen on Sep 10, 2008 at 05:01 PM

Cereal head here. Favorite place to get cereal in bulk is at any local natural store where you can usually find a great variety of granolas and rolled oats. OMG...sounds so good right now!

Posted by: KDface on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:55 PM