Well the old proverb would have us "breakfast like a king" and without doubt it is arguably the most important meal of the day. A well-chosen breakfast helps restore blood sugar levels and sets us up for the day ahead. Yet all too often we either skip breakfast or reduce it to a quickly snatched snack as we rush for the train or bustle the kids in the car for the school run.  For those who do make time for breakfast it seems to be cereals that are top of our list. In fact the UK consumption of breakfast cereals is greater than any of our European counterparts. Many of us believe that cereal is the healthiest and most convenient option, and yet a recent report by consumer group Which? reveals that this may be far from the case. Which? reported that a bowl of your favourite cereal may actually contain more sugar than a chocolate bar! So exactly how healthy is your breakfast cereal?

Although Which? reported some improvements since their last review in 2006, only eight of the 100 products they examined, actually qualified for a green light in accordance with the Food Standards Agency guidelines (see http://www.food.gov.uk/). Many brands such as All Bran, Bran Flakes and Special K had high levels of sugar, whilst Coco Pops, Frosties and Ricicles were more than a third (37%) sugar. Levels such as these equate to about 4 teaspoons of sugar per a portion and some cereals, specifically those targeted at children, contribute more sugar than a jam doughnut! 

Sadly, the report omitted muesli and similar products because they make up such a small proportion of the market. However, the report did confirm that a bowl of porridge offered a fraction of the sugar, salt and saturated fats of packaged cereals and of course provides all the additional benefits of oats.

If you're not keen on porridge then take a look at Lizi's Granola which is new to the Mood Food Company and we know you're going to love it! This delicious granola is one of a kind because unlike similar products it is actually low in fast-releasing sugars (only 9.1g per 100g of carbohydrate "as sugars"). Packed with nuts, seeds and wholegrains it's not just delicious but helps sustain you through the morning. It's also great sprinkled on berries and yogurt or as a crunchy topping for an ice-cream sundae.

If you find making changes to your child's diet a struggle, start gradually - swap the sugar on the table for Zylosweet which makes the perfect natural alternative; it's also lower in calories and doesn't cause dental decay.

Alternatively encourage them to sweeten with chopped fruit or raisins, sugar-free fruit puree or a little drizzle of Agave Nectar.

Ref: Which? Cereals Report (2009) "Going Against the Grain"