| Hot cereals are an excellent alternative to the | | | | problematic because the ones that are already |
| traditional cold cereal and milk breakfast. They come | | | | flavored are often very high in sugar. So even |
| in different forms such as grits, oatmeal, and cream | | | | though something may read that it is low in fat or |
| of wheat. There are also some other hot cereal | | | | cholesterol, that does not automatically guarantee |
| options. Some of them are grain mixes put together | | | | that it will be a good food choice. Be careful to |
| by manufacturers. Others are simple cereals such as | | | | choose cereal options that are nutritious but that also |
| kashi or oatmeal. Either way, the hot cereals that | | | | provide a high amount of flavor. |
| you choose are common in that they are a good | | | | There are several ways to add flavor to hot cereals |
| source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. | | | | than by adding sugar. A small amount or honey, |
| Now, cold cereal manufacturers have decided to | | | | blackstrap molasses, or maple sugar is much better |
| provide consumers with hot cereal options. This is | | | | than sugar. You can also use sugar substitutes such |
| both bad and good. Things like oatmeal, grits, and | | | | as stevia or artificial sweetener packets. Keep in mind |
| cream if wheat have been available for some time by | | | | that you can also use dried fried or fresh fruit as an |
| themselves. But now people have found a way to | | | | alternative to sugar or other sweetener. You can also |
| cut down on the cooking time. This could save time | | | | use apple sauce. Hot cereals are good for you, you |
| but some feel as if you lose some of the nutrition | | | | just need to be careful that you do not consume too |
| value. Also it is important to understand that it is | | | | much sugar. If you do, it could defeat the purpose |
| better to buy the plain cereal and sweeten it yourself | | | | for breakfast because it will not make it more |
| with honey or pure maple syrup than it is to buy the | | | | nutritious. You can also use spices such as cinnamon |
| cereal already sweetened. | | | | to provide flavor and nutrition and replace much of |
| Although the cereals are widely available, it can be | | | | the sweetener. |