Cereal is one of the easiest breakfast options out there—but in most cases, it’s also one of the least healthy. This is because most breakfast cereals are loaded with refined carbs and sugar, both of which can throw a serious wrench in your weight loss goals when consumed in excess. For this reason, health experts generally recommend avoiding this food and choosing protein-rich breakfasts instead. However, there are some healthy options out there as far as cereal goes. They’re just hard to come by, so knowing what to look out for is one major key to ensuring you’re keeping your pantry stocked with the best options.
So what are the healthy choices when it comes to breakfast cereal? To find out, we spoke to registered dietitian nutritionist Steph Magill, MS, RD, CD, FAND. She told us that her go-to weight loss-friendly cereal is Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes thanks to its high fiber content. Learn more about all of the benefits of this cereal below.
Nature's Path Organic Heritage Flakes for Weight Loss
One of the main issues with many cereals (in addition to all that sugar) is the fact that they provide virtually no nutritional value. But that's where high-fiber options like Nature's Path Organic Heritage Flakes are different.
"When it comes to a cereal that not only tastes great but also supports your weight loss journey, my top pick is Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes," Magill says. "This high-fiber cereal boasts a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that's sure to keep you coming back for more."
As she notes, just a single one-cup serving of these Heritage Flakes can pack in 7 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and a small 5 grams of sugar—all while resting at just 16o calories. "This cereal features a blend of ancient grains, including kamut, wheat bran, oats, spelt, barley, millet, and quinoa, making it a nutrition powerhouse," she tells us. That's certainly a lot of healthy grains!
Magill reiterates that the real star of the show here is the fiber. "The key to its weight loss support lies in its fiber content, which not only keeps you feeling fuller for longer but also helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion," she says.
And things can get even better when you throw healthy toppings to the mix. Magill recommends antioxidant-rich blueberries (which are packed with health benefits!), walnuts, and, of course, your milk of choice. This way, she says, "you're adding even more fiber and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal or snack." Plus, it doesn't hurt that it's all delicious.
This cereal doesn't only make a healthy breakfast. Magill points out that it's also "an ideal mid-day snack, keeping those cravings at bay while aligning perfectly with your weight loss goals," which means you can say goodbye to all those processed snacks that have been holding you back.
So, there you have it: you can toss the Frosted Flakes aside. By swapping sugary cereal for a high-fiber options like this, you'll be doing wonders for your body.
