By Steven Schmitt •
October 27, 2009
Nearly 20 years ago, my doctor told me that I had IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I was getting my annual physical exam and lamented about consistently painful bowel movements and related flaming hemorrhoids.
One of his recommendations was a daily dose of high-fiber laxative and a high-fiber diet. The diet made me an instant convert to bran cereals and pitted prunes. All I needed now was an AARP membership card and a subscription to Reader’s Digest. I felt much older than my 32 years.
By Derek Markham •
October 4, 2008
Consumer Reports recently reported that some breakfast cereals marketed to U.S. children are more than half sugar by weight.
A serving of 11 popular cereals, including Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, carries as much sugar as a glazed doughnut. And some brands have more sugar and sodium when formulated for the U.S. market than the same brands have when sold in other countries. Post Golden Crisp made by Kraft Foods Inc and Kellogg’s Honey Smacks are more than 50 percent sugar by weight, while nine brands are at least 40 percent sugar.
Is there a link between the marketing of sugary, salty, or fatty foods to kids and the rise in childhood obesity and related health problems? Recent research by the National Academy of Sciences indicates a possible causal relationship, but a little common sense will tell you that high sugar foods are not the best for our kids.
I can’t stomach the fact that some parents feed their children these so-called foods, especially for breakfast. How many kids get jacked up on sugar every morning, only to hit a wall and have their growing bodies and minds be starved of energy for learning and playing?
How can we feed our children wholesome organic breakfasts without blowing our budget?
In order to fuel our children with nutrient-rich food and still follow a household budget, we can choose healthy whole foods that we prepare. Fresh food is always a great choice, but grains are still one of the best deals around, and with organic, you know your kids are eating clean food with a high nutrient content.
Healthy breakfast foods with no added sugar that are cheap and easy to prepare:
Nearly 20 years ago, my doctor told me that I had IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I was getting my annual physical exam and lamented about consistently painful bowel movements and related flaming hemorrhoids.
