Nutrition facts about breakfast cereals

Cereals are a welcome and healthier alternative to traditional breakfasts of white bread and high calorie spreads or meat-based dishes. Breakfast cereals are high in fibre and when combined with cold milk, our cereals give you an incredible energy boost, full of taste and rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper. After some 10 to 12 hours of fasting during the night, breakfast should really be seen as relief for the stomach and a pleasurable way to start your day.

The Food Pyramid

Alongside exercise and care for your personal hygiene and health, using the food pyramid as a basis for choosing a balanced diet is a good way to keep your body in great shape.

Water

The base of this pyramid consists of water. One of the most effective ways to improve your health is simply to drink more water. More than half of the human body is composed of water, so it is vital to drink plenty of fluids in order to be able to function properly.

Carbohydrates

The next level of the pyramid consists of carbohydrates, a food group essential for our life and good health. Cereal products and potatoes supply you with complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. Breakfast cereals are an excellent alternative to the usual bread or meat meals. What’s more there is an impressive range of breakfast cereals, from muesli with toppings, to granola and extruded cereals. Why not try breakfast cereals as a healthy mid-morning snack or a late-night light nibble. You’ll be amazed how tasty this is, and so much healthier than the usual high-fat snacks we eat when we’re hungry between meals.

Fruit and vegetables

The third level of the food pyramid is made up of fruit and vegetables. These provide us with the simple and complex carbohydrates, dietary fibres, minerals and vitamins, essential for our continued wellbeing. Every fruit and vegetable is rich in different vitamins and minerals, so it is important to include a wide variety in your daily diet.

Dairy products & proteins

Dairy products and proteins form the next level of the pyramid. Dairy products are an important source of calcium, proteins and vitamins. They include a large number of products, like milk, yoghurt and buttermilk. So instead of adding cold milk to your breakfast cereals, try something new and use one of these alternatives.

The most well-known sources of protein are meat, fish and meat substitutes, which also contain vitamins and minerals such as iron. They are indispensable to our growth and help the body to build up resistance to infection.

Fats

Near the top of the pyramid we find fat; the fat we use to spread on our bread or to prepare food. Basically, fat gives us energy. It is also necessary because of the essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins it contains.

Sugars

Finally, at the top, there are the ‘goodies’; the things that we don’t really need to stay healthy, but that we consume out of sheer enjoyment: sweets, chocolate, soft and alcoholic drinks.