Wheaties Fuel is a new breakfast cereal developed for champions by champions. With the help of NFL stars, Peyton Manning, Kevin Garnett, and Albert Pujols and working with Dr. John Ivy, a performance nutrition expert, the Co-Creation Team designed Wheaties Fuel for the active individual; whether that activity is due to participation in athletics, work-related activities or leisure time physical pursuits.

Not just your average bowl of crunchy flakes, Wheaties Fuel is a collector’s edition cereal that combines whole-grains with vitamins and minerals to help curb hunger and keep you feeling full. Even though DietsInReview.com hasn’t tasted it, Wheaties Fuel is a combination of wheat flakes, crisp rice and is sweetened with honey and cinnamon.

Here is how one bowl of Wheaties Fuel stacks up.

Serving size: One cup

• Calories: 200
• Fat grams: 3 grams
• Sugars: 14 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• B Vitamins: 100 percent of RDI
• Vitamin D: 25 percent
• Calcium: 10 percent

Wheaties Fuel does not contain any trans-fats or high fructose corn syrup.

If you find that you always over-pour your cereal, monitor your portions by using a measuring cup or a handy kitchen gadget like Portion Pals or SlimWare.

Happy eating!

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Food Find: Wheaties Fuel

Cocoa Krispies were labeled, until last week, with a splashy logo touting a 25% daily value of antioxidants and nutrients – Vitamins A, B, C and E. To this mom, it seemed to capitalize on the H1N1/Swine Flu hype that has been ongoing. How will we protect our children? What can we do to keep them safe?

Hint: the answer is definitely not “Feed them Cocoa Krispies.”

Sugar is the top ingredient in this cereal, listed three times – as sugar, as an ingredient in the chocolate, and as high fructose corn syrup. The label also lists partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (translation, trans fats!), and artificial flavoring.

A serving size of this cereal is listed as a three-quarter cup, and that amount contains more than three teaspoons, or more than 39% of the weight. In my book, I would look no further. This cereal is not a healthy choice for a growing child. The vitamins that are listed are sprayed onto the cereal bits, and when you add milk to the bowl, they wash off. If your child does not drink the milk, there are no immune-boosting vitamins ingested. Even if your child drinks the milk, or eats the cereal dry, the amount of the touted vitamins is minimal, and some schools of thought indicate that sprayed-on vitamin supplements are poorly absorbed.

On the recommendation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Kellogg’s is voluntarily discontinuing this product label.

A far better way to boost the immune system is a healthy intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate rest and exercise, and frequent hand washing, as well as avoidance of those who are ill. Don’t be swayed by flashy labeling that preys on your fears – take the time to read the label and make an informed choice.

Also read: Four Ways to Make Breakfast Cereal a Winner

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Kellogg’s Ends Deceptive Cereal Labeling

1. Keep the sugar low - I remember when I was a child my mom always told me never to buy cereal with a sugar count over the magic number of “10.” Ten grams of sugar means that the box is 10% sugar, and that’s high enough for it to still be tasty.
2. Whole grains count - just like when you shop for bread and pasta, whole grains are important in cereals as well. Whole grains are processed by the body slower and keep your child from suffering an insulin crash.
3. Fiber, fiber, fiber – tastier and easier to encourage a child to eat than a prune, shoot for a cereal with about 3 grams of fiber per serving.
4. Protein is a muscle builder – protein is metabolized slower and helps to keep the body fuller for a longer period of time, crucial on school days when concentration is key. Try to find a cereal with at least two grams of protein, and remember that the milk you pour on it – be it cow, soy or a nut milk – adds additional protein, so drink up every drop.

Despite these guidelines, it can be tough to get the kids weaned off of the sugary stuff. One trick that works really well in our family is to mix one box of a very low-sugar cereal – think Cheerios, Grape Nuts, etc. – with a higher, more child-friendly request – Lucky Charms or the like.

What are your family’s favorite low-sugar choices? Mine include Mighty Bites, Kix, Life and Mini Wheats.

Also read: The Best (and worst) Breakfast Cereals

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Four Ways to Make Breakfast Cereal a Winner

When Thomas and his partner Noberto came to the U.S. from Europe, they were hungry for a cereal that tasted good and equally important was being good for then.  They were amazed at the cereal options lining the shelves in the grocery stores, yet either found them unappealing in taste or the ingredients being used were low quality and unhealthy. Enter MojaMix. In 2008 their idea launched from the mixing and matching of whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruits.  All ingredients are sourced from local farmers and a majority of them are also fully organic.

When I spoke with Thomas I asked him what he felt was a big differentiator for MojaMix and he immediately said variety. Even at a Whole Foods where you can create your own granola mixes you don’t have all the options MojaMix offers with goji berries, hemp seeds and cacao nibs as just some of the examples of their extensive offering.

What we at DietsInReview.com loved was the nutrition labels that updated as you created your mix online.  Just by adding a dried fruit or nut to your mix immediately updated your nutrition facts to highlight your overall calories, fat, carbs, fiber, sugar, and protein. Another feature we love is the customized label and option to select from over 15 quotes suited for birthdays and thank yous.

For your chance to WIN your very own personalized MojaMix with unlimited toppings courtesy of our friends at MojaMix, share with us your favorite breakfast cereal and why it’s your favorite?  When I asked Brandi, our senior editor, what her entry would be she said her favorite is Cheerios because they are simple and you can pack them for a snack or enjoy a big bowl for breakfast.

So what’s your favorite?  Enter now for a chance to win! Winner will be selected 8/21/09.

Interested in custom cereal – check out our review of Me & Goji as well. Visit the official MojaMix.com website

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MojaMix – A Unique Custom Cereal Blend and Free Giveaway

Cheerios, the long-time favorite breakfast cereal, is making a claim that the FDA just can’t let fall through the cracks. The agency sent a warning letter to General Mills, telling them that they can’t label Cheerios as a treatment for high cholesterol and heart disease.

The FDA points to language on the Cheerios label:

“Did you know that in just six weeks Cheerios can reduce bad cholesterol by an average of four percent? Cheerios is … clinically proven to lower cholesterol. A clinical study showed that eating two 1.5 cup servings daily of Cheerios cereal reduced bad cholesterol when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.”

While it is OK to link soluble fiber from whole-grain oats with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, “it’s not okay to separate the heart disease and cholesterol claims,” according to the FDA.

The FDA also takes issue with claims from a website General Mills advertises on Cheerios boxes. For instance, whole-grain foods can’t be linked alone to helping with heart disease, but is supposed to mention fiber, fruits, vegetables, and a low-fat diet.

In this case, the false claims are subtle, but maybe that makes it worse because it seems all the more sneaky.

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Cheerios Makes Faulty Health Claims

What’s the problem in this scenario?  (Other than the fact that I’m eating while just about asleep, that is…) The almost certain culprit would be the way that I poured the cereal.  Free form, loose and flowing are great things for art work, but they really play havoc on your diet.  Flip that cereal box around, see where it say SERVING SIZE?  Yeah, those words are actually there for a reason, not just as pretty filler for white space.

Do what I did when I was trying to lose weight, and actually measure out the recommended serving size — usually somewhere between 1/2 and 3/4 cup.  Pour that amount into the bowl that you usually use.  Now, pick yourself up off the floor and realize that you’ve been eating two, three or more times the amount — which means, my pretties, that you’ve been eating that many more calories. So your stalled weight loss, the problem you’ve been having with those last ten pounds?  It might be solved by being aware of serving size.  This thought philosophy relates to every meal, try to learn correct portion sizes.

Eating too much, even of a good thing, is still eating too much.  Large portion sizes are one of the biggest downfalls to successful weight loss — I know it was for me.  Once I got past the thought that the low-fat chips were a good thing (are, don’t get me wrong, they are, in the PROPER serving size) and stopped eating three times the proper amount — well, then, and only then, was I on my way to successful weight loss.

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Serving Size is Not Just a Suggestion

1) Kashi Go Lean: We love the folks at Kashi, particularly because their cereals are filled with whole grains, fiber and protein. One cup of Kashi Go Lean contains 140 calories, 10 grams of fiber and 13 grams of protein.

2) Special K Red Berries: Crunchy, sweet and lo-cal – you can’t ask for more in a cereal. Coming in at just 110 calories per cup, Special K is a great way to start your day.

3) Post Total: It’s a crunchy, sweet and satisfying way to get in 100% of your daily vitamins and minerals.

4) Cheerios: This stand-by is a favorite of kids and adults for good reason. With 110 calories per cup, 3 grams of fiber and super low in sugar, pop a few blueberries in your bowl and you’re good to go!

5) Chex: We love the Multi-Bran Chex with 160 calories per 3/4 cup, 6 grams of satiating fiber, 90% of your iron needs and 100% of your folic acid requirements, but any of the Chex flavors are winners. Rice Chex are a great alternative for those with gluten allergies.

The Not-So-Good List

1) Quaker Oats Natural Oat and Honey Granola: This cereal sounds healthy but with 210 calories, 6 grams of fat and 12 grams of sugar per a mere 1/2 cup serving, you might be better off eating a Pop Tart (but don’t eat that either!).

2) Post’s Golden Crisps: While its calories and fat content aren’t that weighty, Post’s Golden Crisps miss the mark when it comes to sugar. One 3/4 cup serving contains 14 grams of sugar, which is like adding 3.5 teaspoons of the sweet white stuff on top of your cereal bowl.

3) Cap’n Crunch: Sure you fought with your mom to buy it when you were younger (and most of us still have a hankering for it), but this sugar-laden cereal contains a whopping 12 grams of sugar per 3/4 cup serving and less than one gram of fiber.

There are almost too many choices when it comes to cereal, but by reading nutrition labels carefully and using a measuring cup when you pour it into a bowl, cereal can be a super nutritious quick-meal or snack.

Happy Noshing!

Don’t miss our editor’s pick for a sixth super healthy, super yummy cereal. Check-out [Me] & Goji - you make it, they provide the natural and organic ingredients!

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The Best (and Worst) Breakfast Cereals

You could stroll down the grocery aisle and choose your same ‘ole familiar box of cereal, made by someone you don’t know and the only creative input you have is which bowl to pour it in. Or, you could make your own. The folks at [Me] & Goji have re-inspired breakfast, giving you a fun, hands-on approach to breakfast with natural and organic ingredients.

The [Me] & Goji site creates an interactive environment where you custom build your own cereal, you even get to name it! It works like this:

1. Choose your cereal name. We chose [DietsInReview] & Goji.

2. Choose your cereal base. You’ll make a selection of your favorite base from six varieties, including Samurai Wheat, Flaxed and Flaked and Granola. We chose Samurai Wheat, a sugarless mini wheat.

3. Choose your mix-ins. This is where it gets interesting. There are 17 mix-ins to choose from, including oat bran, cinnamon, chocolate chips, quinoa or choco cranberries. We chose cacao nibs.

4. Choose your fruits. There are 15 choices here and go from the ordinary (raisins, cherries, or blueberries) to the extraordinary (goji berries, currants, mango or coconut. We chose dried cherries, and they are plump and delicious.

5. Choose your nuts. Add some crunch to your custom cereal and choose from 15 seeds and nuts, like pumpkin or sesame seeds and macadamia, pistachios or soy nuts. We chose sliced almonds.

6. Go green and order. [Me] & Goji gives you the opportunity to pay $1.00 (toward the Bonneville Environmental Foundation) to “more than offset” the CO2 emissions generated by the creation and delivery of your cereal.

After that, your cereal delivers in this convenient capsule, which is hand-signed by the person who handmade your custom cereal. It’s really pretty cool. Not to mention scrumptious! I like my cereal sans sugar, so I only add a little skim milk and it’s a filling breakfast I feel good about eating.

You will pay more than you would for the grocery store variety (our blend was $9.65), but the flavor and health factor are certainly worth it.

Save 10% on your [Me] & Goji order now. Submit coupon code DIR10 at checkout. Expires 3/8/09.

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We Love Custom Cereal from Me & Goji

The reason is that breakfast prevents our bodies and minds from crossing over into the dangerous zone of starvation mode. When that kicks in, our bodies don’t metabolize food efficiently and we end up devouring everything in sight. However, picking up breakfast at your favorite java joint or running through the drive-thru may hamper your weight loss efforts and put a dent in your wallet.

Since saving money is on everyone’s minds these days, as well as keeping true to our New Year’s resolutions of healthy eating, weight loss and fitness, here are a list of the top five best breakfast picks that will keep you well-fueled and and on your way to your best you!

1) Oatmeal: Studies show that rolled oats may reduce cholesterol and keep us satisfied longer than cold cereal. Save money by purchasing rolled oats in bulk and then save on calories by bagging 1/2-1 cup portions. Top with lo-cal sweetener, almonds, berries or a splash of milk, or try this great recipe for apple cinnamon oatmeal.

2) Eggs: Many nutritionists call eggs a true Super Food. Packed with protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, the nutrients in eggs will satisfy you for hours! You’ll save money because a dozen eggs breaks down to just a few quarters a day, and you can save time by hard boiling a batch of eggs to keep in the fridge for on-the-go snacking. You can whip up a frittata; cook them in individual ramekins, then during the week just grab, reheat and go!

3) High Fiber Cereal: Aim for cereals with five grams of fiber per serving. Kashi GoLean, Quaker Shredded Wheat and Fiber One are all great and healthy bets. The fiber in these will keep you feeling full longer and your digestive system in check. At $3-$4 per box, you’ll have healthy breakfasts for an entire week (or try the generic brands for more savings).

4) Leftovers: Who said that you can’t have last night’s chicken stir-fry for breakfast? In fact, in many countries like Japan, where rates of obesity are extremely low, breakfast typically consists of miso soup, rice and veggies. Don’t let your leftovers become a science experiment in the fridge, heat them up and dig in! If your dinner-for-breakfast lacks protein, add diced chicken to leftover whole grain pasta or add chickpeas to soup. You’ll save money and time.

5) Yogurt: Yogurt is packed with calcium, protein and gut-friendly probiotics. Stay clear of pre-sweetened yogurt, since they often contain heaps of sugar. Save money by buying the large containers instead of the individual yogurt containers. You’ll get more bang for your buck and you’ll be helping the environment by using less packaging. Low-fat plain yogurt is your best bet. You can control the sweetness and flavor by adding honey, agave syrup, lo-cal sweetener, berries, nuts, or even a handful of high fiber cereal.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring, expensive or time-consuming to prepare. With a smart shopping list that prepares you for a week-long of breakfast eats, your waistline, concentration and wallet will be quick to feel the benefits.

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Five Healthiest and Budget-Friendly Breakfast Foods

Cereal, especially those with a formidable amount of fiber, can be a great way to start your day, and avoid premature hunger pangs before lunch. I, for one, enjoy cereal… even if it’s as an evening sweet snack. It’s usually a better choice than other sweet tooth solutions.

A study confirms the benefits. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association published a study that revealed women who included high-fiber cereal in their low-calorie eating plans lost weight without losing crucial nutrients.

“Go for cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving and less than 10 grams of sugar per 100 calories,” says SELF Editor-in-Chief Lucy Danziger.

Danziger recommends the following brands: Kashi GoLean, Fiber One Honey Clusters and Nature’s Path Optimum Slim.

The American Dietetic Association recommends the following for a hot cereal on a cold winter day:

• Use milk or your favorite fruit juice in place of water while cooking cereal.
• Blend in chopped fresh fruit, dried fruit or nuts.
• Top with powdered milk for added calcium.
• Liven up your cereal with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves.

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Cereal: The Healthy Way to Kick off Your Day