Consumer Report published a ranking of kid’s cereals which revealed the shocking fact that some kid’s cereals may contain the equivalent of a doughnut in sugar. For example, the report states that Kelogg’s Honey Smacks and Post Golden Strip get almost 60% of their calories from sugar. This is certainly not healthy for kids and dieticians say that this amount of sugar cannot be considered healthy not even for adults. Consumer Report classifies as the healthiest cereals Cheerios, Kix and Honey Nut Cheerios from General Mills, and Life from Quaker Oats.

So what are the ingredients for a truly healthy breakfast? As everybody knows, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a healthy, well-balanced breakfast favors weight loss and, generally, a healthy life style. Because obesity has become one of the most obvious health issues we are faced with in today’s society, eating smart is not only the right choice, it’s in fact a “must do.” Advice on how to have balanced meals can be received by consulting a dietitian. Also there is good to know, as far as breakfast is concerned, that it’s always good to aim for protein. Peanut butter is a good way to power up in the morning as this is rich in protein, giving you lasting energy during the day.

But what are parents to do when their children, probably, have already developed a sweet tooth and demand their favorite cereal in the morning? The best thing one can do is carefully read the fine script when buying a box of cereal. Try to stay away from artificial sweeteners, as these act as a pretext for companies to present their products as “sugar-free.” Generally, eating an extremely sweet breakfast is a bad idea. Also, look for fiber in your kid’s cereal. A good choice would be Cheerios or Kix, with 3 grams of fiber per serving. Respect the amount of cereal indicated for a serving, don’t over do it!

With these said, one of the best way to stay healthy and strong in this fast paced, fast living world is eating breakfast everyday, staying away from excess of any kind. Eat smart, think quick, be healthy.