Hi, I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to what cereals are best, especially in terms of nutrition but in taste too. I would like something low in calories if possible with a good amount of fiber and little sugar. I am a college student so the dining halls have a lot of different cereals to choose from but it seems like most of them are high in sugar and not all that nutritious. I've been looking at Total as probably being the best that they have to offer although they also have Special K, Cheerios, Grape Nuts, Simply Smart, and Cracklin Oat Bran (I think that is what it is called) to name a few...are any of these good for you...some of them seem to be high in sugar. At home, I've been eating Kashi which is good, but they don't have that here, and I figure I should eat the food that they offer since I'm paying for it. Your suggestions as to specific cereals or nutrition info that I can look for is appreciated. Thanks, Alecia

alecia www.fitday.com is a good place to find out about the nutrition content of foods..try this link http://fitday.com/WebFit/FoodBrowse/FoodBrwsLeaf_570_571_572_573_574_576.asp for cereals, but it might not work if you are not registered there..it is free so dont be afraid to register..

if they have raisin bran or oatmeal those are two good choices, as is kelloggs complete bran flakes..when you are evaluating cereal look at the number of grams of fiber in the cereal, which is listed under carbohydrates..as well as the calories..

I love oatmeal so that is what I've been having basically everyday. I usually get regular and add fruit or maple syrup or sweet and low (b/c I think maple syrup is high in sugar), and they do have raisin bran, but I wasn't sure if that was considered nutritious or not so thanks for letting me know that it is a good choice cuz I actually did used to love that when I was younger. Thanks, Alecia

Hey Alecia!

Crackling Oat Bran is SO FREAKING good, but chock full of fat. It has a lot of good stuff in it, but it also tastes like oatmeal cookies, and unfortunately, has the same effects on your hips as oatmeal cookies. =( Its one of my favorites, but I can never eat it. I just stick with Kashi Good Friends, or Kashi Heart to Heart.

Cheerios is a good choice, Grape nuts is not, sadly. INSANE amount of carbs, and also calories. A serving size of Grape Nuts is a half cup I think, and about 200 calories. So, if a half a cup of cereal will fill you up, they are ok. As for me, thats just a drop in the bucket. LoL

Thanks for the warning about Cracklin Oat Bran b/c it sounds like if I did try it, I would love it which sounds like wouldn't be that good since it isn't the best cereal choice. I like Kashi too...thanks again for the suggestions. Have a great day, Alecia

I like all bran original. I've always liked bran though. It has 10 grams of fiber and only 75 cal per serving.
Taste wise, speacial K red berries is AMAZING, and fairly low cal I think.

I've got to say out the ones you listed your best bet is the Cheerios. You can have a cup about 110 calories and I've found that they stay with me until lunch. That can be a problem with some cereals, they get you through to lunch. I assume that you collage has the cereal in those little self serve boxes. If so ask to see the boxes and read, read, read the lables :D

Special K is good, sprinkle on a little flaxseed for a great fiber kick!

I personally like to eat a bowl of total in the morning with skim milk and a banana sliced in it. I know its a bit higher in carbs but good with all the vitamins. Woman especially it has a lot of iron, calcium and folic acid, and if you are of child bearing age its always a good idea to make sure you get enough of those( or really at any age!), along with everything else.

kashi crunch! is my fav cereal... lots of protein and fiber.. keeps you full all morning

Ah.. the neverending quest to find a good breakfast cereal.. I've pretty much given up..

I'd like something that is high in protein and fiber, and that is sugar free... I never found anything that meets those three points. There are several brands of cereal (Kashi Go Lean for example) that are high fiber/high protein... but they all contain sugar... Since when does sugar help one "go lean"? On the other hand there are high fiber/sugar free cereals.. but they're low in protein.

one does not usually eat cereal for the protein content, but the carb and fiber content...at least that is why i eat it..it is an extremely healthy choice for breakfast if carefully chosen..

what about matching one of your high fiber sugar free cereals with some yogurt (sugar free, low fat, if you wish...)--I've found that 1/2 c granola with 4 oz yogurt and a fruit really boosts me into the day, the sugars (natural and not) give me a lift, and the fat in the yogurt helps stave off my hunger.... While I haven't lost weight in th last two weeks, I have lost 15 lbs over all using this breakfast combo... (or I do 4 oz yogurt with brown bread and fruit..again, I'm boosted into the day, and my hunger is at bay til 12-1...Regular cerals with milk seem to just make me hungry...

thats a great point jessica..the protein is in the non fat milk i put with my cereal...i find if i have a cereal with high enough fiber i can go to lunch...or if i get up extra early i have a midmorning snack...