In Fall 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the My Pyramid for Preschoolers Website just for Preschoolers, children aged 2-5. The site encourages parents and caregivers to
Use MyPyramid to help your preschooler eat well, be active, and be healthy.
Customized MyPyramid for Your Preschooler
Visitors to the My Pyramid for Preschoolers Web site can “get a customized MyPyramid Plan for your preschooler” by entering the child’s first name, age, gender, and typical amount of daily activity. The site then generates a plan tailored to that child.
Results from a study released this week by Consumer Reports found that only four of the 27 cereals tested rank as “very good.” Those that were judged to be “very good” are Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios.
The majority of the cereals (23 of the top 27 cereals marketed to children) reviewed were classified as “good” or “fair.”
Rice Krispies only ended up with a “fair” rating. Although low in sugar it is also low in fiber. Cocoa Puffs and Frosted Flakes ended up in the “good” category because they had some fiber (1 gm) and were a good source of iron. Fruit Loops ended up with a “fair” rating, with a low fiber amount and 12 grams of sugar.
Two childrens’ cereals Honey Smacks (15 gms) and Golden Crisp (14 gms) classified as “fair” are more than 50 percent sugar by weight; this is as much sugar per serving as a glazed donut from Dunkin’ Donuts. This amount of sugar is less than the amount of sugar in a serving of yogurt.
The Classifications
Very Good – Relatively low in sugars, with some fiber; high in iron and a good source of calcium.
Good – Room for improvement in sugars and/or figer; high in or a good source of iron.
Fair – Eat only occasionally; most have a lot of sugar and too little figer; most are high in or a good source of iron, but not calcium.
The Good Cereals
Cheerios topped the list with only 1 gram of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Cheerios
Kix
Honey Nut Cheerios
Life (Quaker Oats)
These four cereals earned points for relatively lower sugar and higher dietary fiber, the two categories weighed as most important.
Cereal Not Just for Children Anymore
While sugary cereals are heavily marketed to children ($229 million advertising dollars per year) an estimated 58 percent of children’s cereals are consumed by those over 18 a strong indication that childrens cereals are not just for children anymore.
Watch Serving Sizes
Another issue when eating cereals is to watch the serving size. Most children and many adults serve themselves 50 to 65 percent more than the serving size on the package or have a second serving which ultimately increases the number of calories eaten.
One student several years ago in my nutrition course admitted to eating a very large bowl of cereal, one that would hold three to four servings.
Paid subscribers can view the entire list of cereals reviewed at the Consumer Reports Website or for free at My Fox Twin Cities.
A new campaign with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring characters from the Disney Classic, the Jungle Book was launched by the USDA, Food Nutrition and Consumer Services. This Public Service Announcement highlights the importance of balancing good nutrition and physical activity by emphasizing the “Bare Necessities” of healthy living and healthy eating.
One reason for the PSA is to encourage children to be eating more fruits and vegetables. Another is to encourage Moms to be encouraging healthy foods and being active.
The main purpose of the PSA is to send a message to families that leading a healthy lifestyle can help you be the best at everything you love to do.
The Reason for the Ad Council Public Service Announcement
Less than 25% of adolescents eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Few get regular physical activity. It is important to provide information and realistic tips for making and sustaining healthy choices for kids.
The notion that “Good Nutrition Can Lead to Great Things” reinforces that healthy eating and physical activity are fuel for a kid’s mind and body. This campaign motivates moms to encourage proper nutrition and physical activity for their families, emphasizing that a bright future starts with a healthy lifestyle.
Hopefully it also encourages the children to eat well and play more.
More information:
Ad Council. Nutrition Education. USDA, Food Nutrition and Consumer Services.
Visitors to the My Pyramid for Preschoolers Web site can “get a customized MyPyramid Plan for your preschooler” by entering the child’s first name, age, gender, and typical amount of daily activity. The site then generates a plan tailored to that child.You can raise a healthy eater by setting a good example and practicing positive habits.
Results from a study released this week by Consumer Reports found that only four of the 27 cereals tested rank as “very good.” Those that were judged to be “very good” are Cheerios, Kix, Life and Honey Nut Cheerios.
