If you can whip up a well-balanced breakfast every morning complete with protein, whole grains, and all the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, you’re a unique breed of human and, quite frankly, deserve a medal.
If you’re like most guys—juggling a maniacal work and family schedule—you probably only have time to grab a quick bowl of cereal before you run out the door. But that doesn’t mean your health and fitness need to take a hit.
There are plenty of healthy cereal options that don’t taste like soggy cardboard.
We’ve seen a shift in the way processed foods are made now that people are more aware of their food choices and demand more nutritious fare.
That said, the cereal aisle is still daunting. Even if you know to avoid anything neon bright, magically delicious, or championed by a cartoon character, most brands have misleading labels.
So, what do you need to look for in a nutritious box of cereal? Follow these cereal-buying guidelines:
- Whole grains should be listed as one of the first ingredients on the label.
- Look for cereals with low or no added sugar and up to 10g of total sugar.
- Aim for at least 3 grams of fiber per serving (5g is optimal).
- Opt for adequate protein—a minimum of 5g per serving.
Check out our top 10 healthiest cereals and pour yourself a better breakfast.
Jordan Mazur, M.S., R.D., is the coordinator of nutrition and team sports dietitian for the San Francisco 49ers.
