Sugar for Breakfast?

When I was a little girl we lived for a short time on my grandparents farm.  There are a few things I remember distinctly about that time...the horses, Daisy & Queenie, the smell and sound of the milk house, the striped sheets on the metal framed bed, and the kitchen.  It was the early 80's and Grammy had a brown refrigerator (memories are funny, aren't they...for what we remember!)  The bottom cupboard next to the refrigerator was the cereal cupboard, and I'll always remember what you could find there:  Product 19, Fruit Loops, and Honey Smacks!

First, let me say that I grew up in a home where sugary cereals weren't even an option!  We ate lots of Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Shredded Wheat, etc.. (the store brand kind).  So...to get your hands on Fruit Loops and Honey Smacks...what a TREAT!

As an adult, I must admit that I still love Corn Flakes and Cheerios, and yes, when I do buy cereal, I buy the store brand, (even though as a kid I insisted the name brand was so much tastier).  But, I'd be lying if I told you that I don't still pause for a split second when I pass by the Honey Smacks and taste that sugary yumminess in my mind.  So to the whole point of this post...

Now that I have a child of my own I get so upset when I see little ones eating these sugary cereals, day in and day out.  The first ingredient in Honey Smacks, Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops (and more) is SUGAR! Sugar is directly linked to obesity.  I'm also convinced it's addictive on some level, I mean doesn't the name "Honey Smacks" sound like some crazy street drug?  And that's not all....check out this article for a list of ways that "sugar is ruining your health" that might surprise you!

Here's the other "cereal deception."  If you are not a keen consumer you may be fooled into thinking these cereals are actually good for your child or your family.  Why right on the box it says "good source of fiber and whole grain," "8 essential vitamins," "good source of vitamin D."  Here's where we have to use our common sense, folks!  A serving of Honey Smacks (which by the way is 3/4 of a cup, and who ever eats just one serving?)  has more sugar than a TWINKIE!!!!  The benefits of any vitamins, fiber and whole grain are laughable when you look at the ingredients in context.  A good source of fiber, whole grain, and vitamins would be oatmeal with fresh fruit!  Let's go back to my reflections about growing up...the things I love now are the things that were staples in my home growing up...and they go far beyond cereal to fresh vegetables, whole grains, fruit, homemade meals, etc...  Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Want to read more about sugar in "children's cereal?"  Check out this article by the Environmental Working Group.

An empowered parent/grandparent/caretaker creates an empowered child!  Here's the challenge:  take at the cereal in your cupboard and read some labels!  If sugar is the number one or two ingredient say "adios" and discover the nearly endless alternatives that can be just as tasty and even more fun!  Need some inspiration?  Check out these Healthy Kids Breakfast Recipes.

Do you have a favorite healthy breakfast recipe?  Share it!