You've all heard it before, "Breakfast is THE most important meal of the day". I couldn't agree more. And yet, so many people continually skip breakfast altogether.

However, if the idea of having breakfast involves sugar coated, multi-coloured fibreless morsels, then you probably are better off going without. The cereal you choose will have a great bearing on how you feel throughout the day. Choosing a cereal loaded with sugars, fats, flavourings and colourings will leave you feeling flat once the sugar high has passed. So how do you choose between cereal brands?

Firstly, don't get suckered in by any of the promotional material emblazoned on the front of the packaging. What you want to look for is the information on the back of the packaging. Have a look for the section titled "Nutrition Information". This is where you get the information you need to make an educated decision between which cereal is best for you. By comparing even two of your favourite cereals side by side you will see just how much sodium (salt), fats and sugars are in there. These "Nutrition Information" boxes will usually break it down into serving proportions, so you can work out what and how much you are consuming per serve.

Don't be fooled by the front of the packaging stating "less salt". You need to ask yourself, "less than what?" Because it isn't till you start comparing between cereals and brands that you discover the variation of the nutritional component between cereals.

The next thing you need to check is the list of ingredients. This too may come as somewhat of a surprise. Just remember, the first ingredient listed is the main ingredient. The rest of the ingredients are listed in descending order. This means you can expect to find rolled oats as the initial ingredient of a high fibre cereal. Where as frosted, sugary cereals tend to have a higher sugar and fat content and this is reflected in their list of ingredients.

If you are looking to start your day with a substantial meal that will see you through till your midday meal, you need to look for a cereal which is high in fibre, either with bran or oats as one of the main ingredients. Likewise, try to minimise or avoid cereals containing high levels of sodium and saturated fats. These cereals tend to have minimal nutritional value and won't benefit you or your health in the long run.

Learn more about this author, Aurora N.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to choose among cereal brands?
We want to hear your view. Write now!