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Healthy cereals - don't be fooled by deceptive marketing claims

Posted on Aug 12, 2011 by Maggie LaBarbera
 

It is back to school time and breakfast will be a very important part of your child's morning routine.  For many families that are on the go, this often means cereal.

But how do you find healthy cereal that will give your child the nutrition he/she needs to start their brain thinking and ready to learn.

A new study has indicated that cereal boxes are confusing parents and making it more difficult for them to choose healthy breakfast foods for their child.

The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity study found that parents see health claims on cereal boxes and assume that means that the cereal IS healthy.  But that, unfortunately, is not true.  Many claims touted on cereal boxes are misleading.

What the study found was that if parents saw the words like:

  • supports your child’s immunity
  • whole grain
  • fibre
  • calcium
  • vitamin D
  • organic

they would assume that meant the cereal was healthy.    These claims also made the parents more willing to buy the cereal.

So don't be mislead by these crafty marketing claims.  Read the food label.  Find out how many calories and sugar is in the cereal.  Does it have fiber.  Try to follow the 5-5 rule.

  • 5 grams of sugar
  • 5 grams of fiber

you might have to search a bit since most cereals have more than 10 grams of sugar but they are there.  And by adding a little fruit, you can sweeten the cereal up naturally and add more vitamins and minerals.

More resources for a healthy breakfast:

Healthy Kids Breakfast Article How Important Is Eating Breakfast For A Child?

Overcoming Obstacles to Having Kids Eat Healthier Food

What foods make a healthy breakfast for kids

Brain food for kids – national school breakfast week

 

 

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