I grew up on Lucky Charms, Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, and Frosted Mini Wheat. What about you? What was your childhood cereal of choice? And if you know me at all, you know I fought my Lucky Charms addiction WELL into adulthood (and I had a bowl of it last month).
So I have a question for you. And before you think I'm on a mission to judge and condemn, that's fake news.
Do you or your kids eat cereal on the regular?
My hand is raised. I'll be honest. Every Friday morning my kids eat cereal. See, I told you I'm not here to judge and condemn! Here's the problem. How often is cereal happening at your home? Once a week, once a day, once a month? I gotta shout from the rooftops (okay, the computer screen): CEREAL IS TOXIC. Cereal is one of the most highly processed foods on the planet. CEREAL. IS. NOT. FOOD. Cereal is a "food product" that's actually not fit for human consumption. Dang.
It gets worse.
Cereal is not only highly processed, it is a refined carbohydrate meal that is loaded with sugar. Yeah, even Kashi. How is cereal even MADE? They take grains and process them into a fine flour and cook. Then they mix this flour with sugar and water, forming a sludge. Then they shoot the soupy mess through a hole at a high temperature with lots of pressure (so it can shaped to look like cereal). This process strips the vitamins and nutrients, and it also affects the structure of the grains' proteins which makes it a toxic product that damages the nervous system and organs. Some cereals then get sprayed with oil and sugar and get synthetic vitamins added back in (which are toxic and incapable of being absorbed by the body).
GROSS. Can you picture this process unfolding in a factory?
Yet so many cereal companies market that box with clever wording about being healthy and wholesome. Listen, if you're actually healthy (like, say, an apple) no claims are needed. Check the label. Cereal is loaded with sugar which puts us at risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and even cancer. The sugar high leads to the sugar crash leads to cravings leads to overeating. And cereal's preservatives can lead to neurological issues, behavior problems, and cancer. Cereal's GMO's (think corn, soy, wheat) can contribute to allergies, digestive problems, liver problems, and fertility issues. All in the name of convenience. Cereal's fake dyes and fake flavors equal behavior problems, fatigue, headaches, and even the risk of cancer. Did you know cereal contains pesticides? Cereal was created for convenience. Because mornings are busy and chaotic. Because cooking is a chore. Because we don't want to induce our kid's tantrum. Because we are tired and lazy. Right?
WHAT'S THE REAL-LIFE SOLUTION?
1. Start by reducing. Like I said, we haven't eliminated it from our pantry. Just eat less. 2. Wake up 10 minutes earlier. Just 10. Don't click on Facebook and you're golden. Ten minutes can make quite the healthy breakfast. This week I made my kids an amazing berry protein smoothie in like 3 minutes. 3. Make breakfast the night before. Maybe as you cook dinner, or as your kids clean dinner, or maybe before you head to bed. This week I started gingerbread oatmeal in the crockpot after I set my coffee pot for the morning. Yesterday my kids cut up fruit for me and I then baked Strawberry Apple Crumble while also roasting veggies in the oven. Easy. 4. Organize. I almost used the word "plan" but knew it might make you freak out. Listen, before you think you are being bossed around and told to become a meal planner, I've already meal planned for you. Yeah, seriously. I have your breakfasts alllllll figured out already. They're as convenient and tasty as cereal, yet healthy and satisfying. Here are this month's breakfasts (and, by the way, there are DOZENS more recipes to pick and choose from):
Peanut Berry Smoothie
Baked Bacon and Eggs
Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal
Chocolate Chip Blender Muffins
Strawberry Apple Crumble
Smoothie Parfait
Frittata
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Chocolate Protein Cookies,
Blueberry Protein Pancakes
Apple Vanilla Smoothie
Baked Eggs in Avocados
Pumpkin Souffle
Strawberry Blender Muffins
Bacon and Zucchini Nest
Protein Smoothie Bowl
Chorizo Egg Skillet
Cherry Cobbler
Paleo Biscuits
Berry Oatmeal Muffins
and a partridge in a pear tree
I highly suggests you put down the spoon, milk, and Wheaties, and enjoy 7 days of FREE access to my Fit + Fresh Membership. Let's stop POISONING our kids, for crying out loud! Deal? Click HERE to check it all out!
I'd love for you to share this with a busy friend who loves convenience but doesn't want to contaminate her kids. Thanks!