Now you know that I am 99% an oats-for-breakfast kinda girl but that’s not to say that I don’t love cereal. Always have and probably always will! When people say they don’t have time for a healthy meal, my instant thought is CEREAL! It’s cheap, requires minimal preparation, delicious and satisfying. The only issue with cereal is that it’s not always the most filling option. I can’t argue with that: eating a plain bowl of cereal and milk only lasts me an hour before I want to start chewing off my arm. Fortunately thinking outside the (cereal) box this morning ensured that my arms remained in tact ;):
1) Increase portions as necessary: Some of the serving sizes given on cereal boxes are a joke- 28g, really?! While I normally eat 30g of oats, 45g of cereal turned out to be the perfect amount.
2) Pump up the protein: No joke, I can dominate dry cereal. If I didn’t mind my weight ballooning, I could easily consume a box daily- it’s just so addictive! As I’m not so hot on the idea of turning into an oompa loompa, I make sure that I always eat cereal with some sort of protein: milk (both cows/soy), yogurt (even better if it’s Greek), or cottage cheese instantly increase the fullness factor and reduce the urge to go back for more. Some cereal brands like Kashi are also known for having a relatively high protein content and they taste delicious too!
3) Sprinkle healthy fats– here’s the F word once again! I have no doubt that adding flaked almonds and peanut butter added on a couple of extra hours to my bowl. Ground flax and chia seeds are also great alternatives.
4) Include fruit: I’m a volume eater! For a meal to be satisfying, it has to take me at least 15 minutes to eat! Bulking out my cereal with fresh fruit increases the fiber content of my meal and buys me more time with my bowl :)! It also naturally adds sweetness which is never a bad thing ;). This morning I went for my favorite trio apple, banana & strawberries: always a winning combo!
5) Opt for wholegrain, fiber-rich cereals: Fiber actually reduces the GI value of your meal and will therefore provide a steady flow of energy that should see you through the morning. Cereals which contain at least 5 grams of fiber per serving are good choices. Typically these kinds of cereals are made from whole wheat or wheat bran or oats. Where cereals are concerned, Oatibix, Branflakes, and Kashi Honey Almond & Flax Granola will always be winners in my book.
I am a serial cereal eater too…or used to be at least! I love your tips because you’re so right, a regular single serving bowl will only keep you full for a couple of hours max. Great post!
Great suggestions on how to make a bowl of cereal filling – used to eat two bowls of cereal and still be hungry after an hour. Will definitely try your suggestions and load up on the protein when I have a bowl of cereal. x
I am one of those people who forget to eat breakfasts. For this reason alone, I have started buying a bag of cereal. i have no reason to skip breakfast now. Love your tips.
My favorite combination probably includes bananas+PB 🙂 Just love how well they compliment each other. Great recommendations how to make cereal more filling and satisfying in the morning especially when my metabolism is CWAZY! 🙂
Cereal is absolutely the best, any time, any meal. I think that was what I ate 70% of the time in college. Since then I’ve cut it down to maybe 50% of my caloric consumption 😉 In all seriousness, it can be a great food if you’re smart. And even the occasional Cocoa Puff splurge is a whole lot better than an ice cream sundae.
[…] Additionally you can check out this related post: http://kthadani.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/serial-cereal-eater/ Further you can see this related post: http://kulas88.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/mlang-trip/ […]
I also can crush cereal… which isn’t a bad thing but it certainly isn’t the best move. That’s part of the reason why we don’t buy much cereal anymore. I think we both feel like it’s kind of filler food!