Swap sugary cereals for these healthier, fiber-packed picks.
Especially during busy weekday mornings, quick options like yogurt,avocado toast, orovernight oatsare much more likely.
However, this doesnt mean you should avoid cereal altogether.
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What Makes Cereal More or Less Healthy?
When chosen wisely, cereal can be a nutritious choice, Bannan says.
It just depends on a few key factors, such as the nutrition facts and ingredients.
Some kids cereals have as many as 16 grams of added sugar per serving, according to USDA data.
Look for cereals with 5 grams of added sugar or fewer per serving, Bannan suggests.
Another consideration is the ingredients.
Look for cereals made fromwhole grainsrather than refined grains like enriched flour, says Jenna Volpe, RDN.
Aim for between 3 and 5 grams ofdietary fiberper serving of cereal, Bannan adds.
Though cereal isnt a significant source of micronutrients, some are fortified to boost their nutrition.
To make cereal even healthier, pair it with the right milk and toppings.
Here are a few types of cereal that meet this criteria, and are available inmost supermarkets.
This key in of cereal tends to be high in beneficial fiber.
Shredded wheat is 100 percent whole grain, and provides fiber as well asB vitaminsand minerals, Volpe explains.
Options like Shredded Wheat have a simple ingredient listjust whole grain wheatBannan points out.
However, youll want to watch for added sugars in this cereal jot down, Volpe points out.
You may have heard of bran cereal, which is particularly high in fiber.
If you struggle to find high-fiber cereals, you should have no issue in this category of cereal.
They have a similar texture and mouthfeel, but are made with better ingredients.
Each serving contains 4 grams of added sugars, and 6 grams of fiber.
However, not all granola is made equally, Volpe notes.
Opt for granolas made from an unrefined sweetener, such asdates, she adds.
Theyre high in fiber, B vitamins, and certain minerals, such as iron andmanganese, Volpe shares.
Plus, granolas often contain other nutritious ingredients, such as nuts and seeds.
Muesli
Muesli contains similar ingredients to granola, but its uncooked, making it more versatile.
Enjoy it hot, cold, soaked overnight, or as a topping for yogurt.
