Big Food vs. Big Insurance
By MICHAEL POLLAN
Published: September 9, 2009

TO listen to President Obama’s speech on Wednesday night, or to just about anyone else in the health care debate, you would think that the biggest problem with health care in America is the system itself — perverse incentives, inefficiencies, unnecessary tests and procedures, lack of competition, and greed. No one disputes that the .3 trillion we devote to the health care industry is often spent unwisely, but the fact that the United States spends twice as much per person as most European countries on health care can be substantially explained, as a study released last month says, by our being fatter. Even the most efficient health care system that the administration could hope to devise would still confront a rising tide of chronic disease linked to diet.

. . . Passing a health care reform bill, no matter how ambitious, is only the first step in solving our health care crisis. To keep from bankrupting ourselves, we will then have to get to work on improving our health — which means going to work on the American way of eating.

Breakfast Cereals – The Best of the Best!

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Home Page > Health > Nutrition > Breakfast Cereals – The Best of the Best!

Breakfast Cereals – The Best of the Best!

Posted: Oct 14, 2010 |Comments: 0
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Breakfast cereals are often thought of purely as sources of carbohydrates and maybe some fiber if you get a whole grain product. However, there are a few outstanding options that offer more than just the basics. With these products, you get a significant proportion of calories from protein, which is unusual from cereals and grain products as a group. In addition, some also offer large doses of fiber. The combination of protein and fiber is a big deal, especially during breakfast. These products will provide you with a steady, moderate blood sugar level with a slow release of sugars over a long period of time. They will keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next snack or meal. They will also provide the basic necessities your body requires to perform any tissue maintenance and repair processes. In short, these are the best of the best. I should note that I have no reason to recommend these products except that I have used them extensively and find them to be extremely helpful. I have no other connection to these companies.

Product 1: Oats and Protein Powder

The combination of oats and protein powder has been a staple of bodybuilders worldwide for decades. The excellent nutrition and complex carbohydrates of oat products is the perfect complement to the concentrated protein content of a commercial protein powder. Another positive aspect of this breakfast option is variety. Protein powders come in numerous flavors from vanilla to strawberry, as well as from different sources, including soy, milk, and egg. Suitable oat products include steel cut oats for maximum nutrition, and rolled or quick oats coming in second place but still getting the job done. The flavor and texture options available with this wide variety of products will allow you to find your favorite combination.

As far as the oat portion of this breakfast goes, it is important to know your players. At the top of the pile are steel cut oats. They are simply raw oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces for easier eating. They are the least processed form of oat you will generally find and offer fantastic nutrition. However, they have the heartiest texture and longest cooking time of any breakfast oat product. Rolled oats are similar to steel cut oats, but have been flattened and usually steamed and toasted lightly. Some rolled oats have had some or all of their bran removed, which is nutritionally unfortunate but can provide a softer texture and a shorter cooking time. Finally, quick oats are much like rolled oats but have been chopped into smaller pieces, rolled flatter, and sometimes steamed longer in order to further decrease cooking time.

Any combination of protein powder and oats will make a great breakfast. It will supply a significant portion of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, as well as complex carbohydrates. Feel free to add in chopped fruit or berries for even more nutritional punch.

Product 2: Kellogg’s Special K Protein Plus

Kellogg’s Special K line of cereal products contains one real winner amongst a large crowd of degenerate losers. While Kellogg’s Special K original cereal isn’t the worst thing in the world, most of the rest of the bunch are pretty much useless. Products like Special K Chocolatey Delight, with 100% of its fat content as saturated fat and just over 3% of its calories from protein, are not acceptable. Fortunately, one variation rises to the occasion: Special K Protein Plus. With 5 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein per 100 calorie serving, Protein Plus is definitely the king of Ks. In addition to excellent macronutrient numbers, the ingredients statement of Protein Plus tells its story. With wheat bran as its first ingredient and whole grain wheat, soy grits, and soy protein isolate not far behind, this is a well-made cereal.

The taste and texture of this cereal are surprisingly palatable, given some of its relatively hearty ingredients. For this you can thank Kellogg’s and its traditionally mainstream approach to breakfast cereals. It’s nice to see a truly big name producer put out a nutritionally rational product. The smaller, specialty cereal companies do a wonderful job, but a name like Kellogg’s means that this product will be widely distributed and able to help people the world over (though their formulations actually differ somewhat by country).

Product 3: Kashi GoLean

While Kashi makes a full line of GoLean cereal products, the original in this case is the masterpiece. Providing 13 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber in a 140 calorie serving is pretty incredible, especially for a breakfast cereal. These stats make Kashi GoLean my personal choice as grand champion of breakfast cereals.

However, not all Kashis are created equal. The other members of the GoLean line, including the Golean Crunch! and Crisp! variations, are not quite as nutritionally astounding as the original type. Providing between 180 and 200 calories per serving with 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, you can see that the ratio of calories to protein and fiber is beginning to slip a bit. While still excellent products, I believe that if you can get the best option available, you shouldn’t settle for second place.

Finally, for those of you who prefer something warm for breakfast, Kashi also makes a line of GoLean hot cereals. While again not as awesome as Kashi GoLean original, they are still all-stars compared to many other hot cereal products. Providing 150 calories with 8-9 grams of protein and 5-7 grams of fiber per serving, they certainly have a leg up over traditional options like grits and cream of wheat.

Kashi has hit the mark on taste, texture, and nutrition with their GoLean cereals. If you can, pick up the original and give it a try. It is definitely the strongest competitor of the bunch. However, the GoLean Crunch! and Crisp! cold cereals, as well as the hot cereal options, can provide excellent alternatives that will get your day started off on the right foot every time.

Any of these three cereal options can provide the basis for a fantastic breakfast. Add in some milk or yogurt and some fresh fruit and you have a great way to start your day.

• Pack of 3 (total 53 oz)
• Classic chocolate flavor, with nonfat milk plus cocoa
• Delivers twice the protein of an egg and twice the calcium of yogurt — plus 21 vitamins and minerals
• Quick, easy, and ready to kick your morning off to a great start when mixed with a glass of milk
• Family-size container provides 14 servings of complete nutritional drink

Embrace each morning with a moment that’s just for you. Treat yourself to the rich chocolate flavor that delivers complete nutrition so you can be at your best, all day long. Creamy, decadent, and all yours.

List Price: $ 21.66

Price: $ 17.62