Mike Arone Fitness

So you wake up in the morning and you’re like…

“OH my gawd! I think I will have a bowl of cereal. Raisin Bran sounds good. Its got fiber, plump raisins and that cartoon sun on the front that just screams healthy!”

I like where your head’s at but…it’s not as healthy as you may think.

Read on and let me tell you why…

I am going to show you what a healthy cereal should consist of and how to pick it out of the line up of the other unhealthy shit on the shelves.

I know how it is.

Sometimes you wake up in the morning and pouring a bowl of cereal is just so easy.  With all the so-called “healthy” choices in the cereal aisle, it has become more of a task picking the right one that will help you in your pursuit to a shredded physique.

Relax Gino (that’s your name from here on out).  I am here to help. No thinking cap required.

Sniff Out the Clues

Before we do this you will need to know the warning signs:

1. A cartoon character mascot plastered on the front

I wanted that Trix rabbit to get his taste of that delicious cereal as much as the next kid when I was growing up, but not getting any is probably what kept him thin.

Not to mention, he had all the signs of a drug addict: always jonesing for it, do anything to get it, lied all the time, and and he was always talking a mile a minute.

2. Sugar is one of the first three ingredients listed on the box.

You are better off pouring skittles in your Cheerios than eating these types of cereals.

3. It has less than 3 grams of fiber per serving.

A good cereal conveys its healthiness in the amount of fiber it contains.

Now grab your detective gear, because I am going to show you how to find a cereal fit for a six-pack…or at least one that doesn’t have as much sugar as a Butterfinger.

Sugar High

OK, these culprits are the ones that you see in over sized fluorescent boxes with a cartoon character (who looks cracked out) on the front.  I wonder why? Usually if you send in enough proof of purchases you can get an even cooler toy than the one in the box sent to your house (I’m still waiting for my Lucky Charms matchbox car).

These cereals are meant for the kids…and rightfully so.  They contain enough sugar in them to sweeten your coffee until June 2014.  Steer clear of these bad boys.  They contain a nutritional value equal to that of  a Snickers Bar dipped in rock candy. Have I proved my point?

Don’t be misconstrued by the ads you see claiming that these cereals are healthy.  They are not.  They basically have fiber and vitamins added to them after they were processed to shit and stripped of anything resembling the word “nutritious.” Whatever WAS added is minimal.

Not to mention, it breaks all three of my rules: cartoon character on the front, high in refined sugar and less than three grams of fiber.

Con Artist

This cereal will lead you to believe it is healthy because of it’s high fiber content and images of healthy looking things like splashing milk, or plump fruit and even the Sun!  Don’t fall for it.  Check the label.  Chances are sugar is one of the main ingredients.

Now, this cereal isn’t the worst choice…but it certainly isn’t the best.  Raisin Bran is a prime example.  Sure, it yields 8 grams of fiber, but it also contains an ass-load of processed sugar (amongst others), and has a cartoon Sun on the front.

I’ll tell you what-the second I see a big-ass Sun on my cereal package pouring two scoops of raisins, I’m thinking something doesn’t check out.

Walk on the wild side if you choose these cereals, but remember-you’re dancing with the devil and they break two of my three rules: cartoon character on the front and high in sugar.

Hallelujah!

Any cereal box that has Peyton Manning on the front means that there is something kick-ass about it.  You guessed it-Wheaties!  Though it is partially processed, this cereal contains 3 or more grams of fiber per servings, is low in sugar/contains low-glycemic carbohydrates and doesn’t rely on a cartoon character to market its product.  Throw in some fresh fruit to boost the nutritional value and you have solved the case of the missing abs my friend.

Though I am a fan of Wheaties, I prefer to browse the organic section of the supermarket and choose from minimally processed cereals that contain all-natural ingredients that are high in fiber and low in processed sugars. As for the pictures on these packages-it’s usually a bushel of sprouted grain, barley and wheat elegantly placed in the middle of the box.  Brands like Kashi and Nature’s Valley are usually a safe bet.

Now that you’ve solved The Case of the Missing Abs you’re certified to choose cereal as a healthy breakfast or snack choice.

Try to up the nutritional value in a bowl of cereal by adding to your breakfast healthy fruits and protein in the form of a shake or even a couple of cage-free eggs.

What kind of cereal do YOU eat?

Let me know in the comments below and I’ll let ya know if it belongs in the candy aisle or in your grocery cart.