Perspective people, please
Before you read this you need to know that some of the information for this post was provided by a cereal company and they also provided me with a spa treatment. I am forever grateful.
I had a few friends for coffee over the other morning, and as I rushed them through the aftermath in the kitchen, hoping they wouldn't see the milk splats on our white tile counter and stray cornflakes on the floor, my BFF noticed the box of Frosties.
I can't believe you feed them that stuff. It has so much sugar!
This friend is a bit of a health nut, the sort that has a personal trainer and makes all her snacks. I love this friend. But I don't think that giving kids cereal with suagr is wrong. (Oh god I can just hear the emails swooshing their way towards my inbox). I just try to get my kids to eat something remotely healthy before sending them out to school for the ENTIRE day. So why then did her comment make me a wee bit guilty?
Because we are all taught that sugar is B.A.D. But is it?
I felt vindicated when I saw this video over on the Kelloggs site. It's about the truth about sugar in their cereals. Did you know that a bowl of Frosties or Coco Pops contains only 2 teaspoons of sugar? That's less than what's in a glass of orange juice. Or what I spoon into my coffee at said coffee mornings.
Is cereal really where we need to cut back on two teaspoons of sugar? Really?
Jeez, persepctive people, please.
Babes about Town | 23rd Oct 11
Glad you posted this Susanna. I actually did a Healthy Eating for Kids course at my local children’s centre, and yes there is more sugar in most cereals than many people imagine. But did I come away form the course banning Kelloggs etc from our household? Not likely. I came away more informed about reading labels, and making my OWN decision about what’s ok for our kids.
So the 5YO likes his Crunchy Nut (infinitely tastier than Frosties, which he finds too sugary lol)? I just make sure he doesn’t eat this every morning and gets a good mix of healthier stuff throughout the day. and week. It’s all about balance. I’m done with the snack/food/sugar police!
Lunarossa | 22nd Oct 11
A lot of people don’t know that sugar is much better than those so-called sugarfree products that contain aspartame and acesulfame and all those horrible chemicals. There is no mention in the UK that aspartame has been found being related to cancer. In other European countries, although sugar substitutes are not forbidden (yet) mainly because of the pressure of chemical companies, there are awareness campaigns against them. So I think sugar is not bad if consumed in moderation. Personally I like kellogs cereals, especially Special K and they do not contain aspartame! Ciao bella! A.x.
Alex | 21st Oct 11
The difference is, you’re old enough to make an informed choice about whether to have sugar in your coffee… your kids aren’t. When there’s so much “hidden” sugar in our food these days why knowingly add to it? Would you give your kids a piece of Mars bar for breakfast….? Sorry, I’m still firmly in the sugary cereals are BAD camp…!
Expat Mum | 21st Oct 11
OH well that’s actually a bit different. She’s allowed to say it. Still wrong, but allowed.
Paleoonabudget.blogspot.com | 19th Oct 11
It’s hard to believe that a smart mama like you would believe such corporate tripe. Remember, large corporations are NOT out to improve your health – they are out to make money, and lots of it! They will say anything they can to get you to feel comfortable buying their products. Be wary, be VERY wary, of what they tell you – it’s usually a lie.
When I look at that product’s nutritional information on the Kellog’s website – http://www.kelloggs.co.uk/products/Frosties/Cereal/Frosties.aspx – I see that sugar is the 2nd ingredient, in-between corn and “Barley Malt Flavouring”, whatever that is.
The nutritional information says that one serving (a measly 3/4 cup – like a kid will only eat that tiny amount – HA!) has 37 grams of sugar. Considering that usually 4 grams of sugar = a teaspoon, that comes out to just over 9 teaspoons of sugar (table sugar or just simple carbs, who knows…BUT your body treats it all the same!)….in a tiny 3/4 cup of cereal!!!!
Now, take a moment and guestimate how much your kids really eat of that cereal each morning. If you have to, go into the kitchen and pour a bowl (you can always pour it back into the box) and then measure it. I’m sure a typical kid easily eats 2 or 3 times the “recommended serving” without blinking an eye.
THAT, ladies, is a lot of sugar. I feel sorry for the teacher that has to deal with a classroom full of kids hopped up on 18+ tablespoons of simple sugars each morning…and then have a huge sugar crash and fall asleep at their desk two hours later.
Adventures of a Working Mum | 19th Oct 11
Crikey, does it really matter if children eat a slightly sugary breakfast cereal? Far better than the kids I see walking to school chomping on Mars Bars and Coke! x
Susanna | 19th Oct 11
What I hate is that a comment like that makes me feel guilty. I really need to get over it.
Susanna | 19th Oct 11
I’LL do anything for Frosties. Interesting fact — did you know that Frosties are called Frosted Flakes in the US? Have ot say I like the UK name better.
Susanna | 19th Oct 11
She is my BFF and she says anything to me. Appalling really. ;D
Expat Mum | 18th Oct 11
I can’t believe anyone was rude enough to say that! Bloody cheek!
I read labels all the time and you wouldn’t believe the sugar and salt levels in some food that is meant to be “healthy”.
Knackered Mother | 18th Oct 11
My kids will do ANYTHING for Frosties. And that is all the carrot I need some mornings.
Hannah | 18th Oct 11
People can be so ott, looking at Frosties is not the first food I think of! But an interesting fact there. Agree with you completely.
Susanna | 18th Oct 11
OOh, we have to try that one then.
Domestic goddesque | 18th Oct 11
I’m with you: anything they eat before they leave the house is a bonus. We’re all about the Crunchy Nut at DG Manor!!