For most families, breakfast is usually the most hectic meal of the day. There is very little time to prepare a solid meal in the morning. Everyone is in a rush before going to work and school, and sometimes it's just easier to forget about it completely. That's why a cereal bowl is often the perfect morning routine solution - it requires zero cooking or preparation.
Is it healthy to eat cereals every day?
It depends on what cereals you choose. The supermarket's go-to cereal brands are highly processed and packed with so much sugar that they are literally sugar bombs. So it is definitely not healthy if you eat the products every day.
It doesn't mean you can't enjoy it in moderation, but be aware that it provides more than a daily dose of sugar and many empty calories. This kind of breakfast will give you a spike of energy for a short time, and by the time of lunch, you will be looking to eat a snack bar.
How to make the cereal bowl healthier?
The best solution would be to pick sugar-free cereals or whole grains, but some people claim healthy cereals taste like cardboard.
If you really struggle to eat the no-sugar-added variety of cereals, mix it with sweet cereals. By adding 1 or 2 spoons of your favourite cereals to your healthy cereal, you will get the flavour you like without so many nasty calories. Just remember to watch your portion size.
What healthy toppings can you use for a cereal bowl?
Many whole-grain kinds of cereal are low-cal and nutritious, so it's important to look for additions that won't wreck an otherwise healthy breakfast. A few ingredients in your kitchen cupboard might be the key to spicing up your morning routine.
How to add more fibre to your breakfast?
It's easy to make your cereal bowl packed with fibre. Just add some pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, oats, chia seeds or nuts. Fruits are also a great healthy addition. Go for fruits that are packed with fibre and antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, bananas and sliced apples.
Adding nuts and seeds make your cereal bowl healthier
Nuts like peanuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts don't just add a tasty crunch to your cereal—they're also packed with protein, healthy fats and fibre. Nutritionists recommend getting a minimum of seven grams of protein in the morning to make you fuller for longer and this way, you won't feel hungry before lunch.
Seeds will also add some crunch to your cereal and they are highly nutritious. They will also provide you with a dose of healthy fats.
Adding spices will make your cereal bowl tastier
The best spices to pair with any cereals are ground cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin, and ginger. They will boost not only the flavour but also your breakfast's nutritional value. Spice have amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Replace dairy with plant-based milk for more benefits
Plant-based milk contains a lot less fat when compared to cow's milk (from 37% to 75% less fat). Most plant-based milks are also lower in calories. The only exception is traditional coconut milk. Soy milk contains as much protein as the cow's milk. Many of plant-based milks are fortified with extra vitamins and minerals.
Today, it's easy to find your favourite milk replacement. You can choose from many varieties and flavours of non-dairy milk, including almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, rice milk, hemp, macadamia and cashew milk which are also available in unsweetened versions.
