Cereal is marketed as a quick, modern, healthy breakfast, especially when the box is covered with words like “high fibre,” “fortified”, or “energy.” But many popular cereals, especially the sweeter ones, are loaded with sugar and refined grains. They may be fortified with vitamins, but that does not cancel out the fact that they can spike blood sugar and leave you hungry soon after.
For children especially, this matters. A bowl of cereal can look neat and nutritious on the outside while functioning more like a sweet snack. Oats, poha, upma, eggs or plain muesli with nuts usually offer a more balanced start.