Today, everyone knows that ultra-processed foods are very bad for your health. They promote type 2 diabetes, obesity and even cardiovascular diseases. Among these foods, we regularly mention sodas, aperitif biscuits and cold meats, but also breakfast cereals. But what to eat in the morning when you don’t like buttered toast and you don’t have time to cook a quality brunch? How to feed your child before school? The subject was raised by experts in the Zoe nutrition podcast.
For Jonathan Wolf, co-founder and host of Zoe, it is “completely shocking” duty “row after row” breakfast cereals in supermarkets marked “ massive health claims » on the packaging. He declares: “They sound like healthy foods that I should be feeding my kids and I’ve listened to enough of these podcasts about ultra-processed foods to know that’s not the case. »
But for her guest Dr. Federica Amati, chief nutritionist at the scientific and nutritional company Zoe, we must not “demonize” breakfast cereals. On the other hand, instead of considering them as a meal in themselves, they should rather be considered as an accompaniment to fresh fruit or an egg.
Forget Frosties
“Many people find that giving children cereal first thing in the morning and then going to school is quick, easy, without having to cook. But there are a few things to consider. First of all, I think it is very unlikely that your child will be full and get enough nutrients from this bowl. »
Dr. Amati suggests avoiding products with descriptions like: “golden, crunchy, crispy honey nuts” and rather “choose something blander”. “Things like Weetabix, like Shredded Wheat, things like Bran Flakes. It sounds a lot more boring but actually, when you look at the ingredient system, when you look at them in terms of what they offer nutritionally, it’s way better than your Honey Loops, your Fruit Loops and your Frosties. »
And to insist, however, that breakfast cereals “should not be your daily breakfast”. She then gives some healthy options to alternate between. Think about eggs, excellent sources of protein, fruits for glucose and energy or even plain Greek yogurt. The latter is also regularly recommended by nutritionists and dietitians for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it would be an ally in weight loss, support good mental health and help gain muscle.
What two smoothies?
Amati also recommends smoothies for breakfast. Be careful, however, not to overdo it, warned nutritionist doctor Arnaud Cocaul in a video produced by Yahoo this summer. “The smoothie is not a normal drink”, he declared. Since it contains a multitude of ingredients and sometimes even milk, chocolate chips, almonds or nuts “you have a huge caloric load depending on your preparation”, insisted the expert. “Industrial smoothies are even worse. »
And if you have a little time…
If you have time to cook in the morning, you can also take inspiration from the breakfast that Jennifer Garner prepares for her children on vacation. In a video posted on her Instagram account during a camping trip, the American actress detailed her recipes for hash browns and banana/strawberries/flaxseed/peanut butter/almond milk smoothie.
Simple and quick to make, this breakfast is very nutritious. Potatoes (carbohydrates) will help you stay full for a long time while eggs will give you strength. Not to mention the benefits they offer to bones and muscles. As for the strawberry-banana smoothie, it is full of fiber. Especially since it contains flax seeds, known to improve the digestive system and promote good heart health.
Source: www.topsante.com
