Breakfast cereal?

trainer
trainer Member Posts: 241
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
OK, odd request. I've enjoyed Special K with berries for a long time, but after the colon cancer episode, I'm looking for a replacement that has good fiber, but all seem to have an abundance of high fructose syrup, molasses, and or sugar in them. Anyone have a suggestion? Even Cheerios has sugar added to it. I'm also a type 2 diabetic as well as a Semicolon, and I'm determined to eat right.

Thanks in advance. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
«1

Comments

  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    shredded wheaties
    I like the miniature shredded wheat. NO added sugar or salt. One of the few. Not sure how it compares re fibre. Also, I like oatmeal.

    tara
  • VickiCO
    VickiCO Member Posts: 917
    Grape Nuts
    My husband suffers from diverticulitis,another colon disease, and swears by Grape Nuts. Since I like sugar, and don't want to load it on my cereal, I mix it with fruit and yogurt. Yummy.

    Vicki
  • claud1951
    claud1951 Member Posts: 424 Member
    Ezekiel 4:9
    HI there,

    Try Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted whole grain cereal. You'll find it at heath food stores or, depending on where you live and what grocery chains you have, some of them might have a Health Food Section in them.

    I eat that plus I eat the Ezekiel bread and have for years. It's all sprouted grains. I also have a great recipe for Granola without all the sugar (I used 100% maple syrup and grapeseed oil. That's good for breakfast as well as a snack.

    Let me know is you'd like the recipe.

    Claudia
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797
    Kashi
    I'm also on a high protein diet so I look for low sugar, high fiber, high protein. I most enjoy Kashi Go Lean: 10g fiber, 13g protein, 6g sugar carbs in 1cup of cereal. Steel cut oats are a favorite treat also.

    Kimby
  • This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    taraHK said:

    shredded wheaties
    I like the miniature shredded wheat. NO added sugar or salt. One of the few. Not sure how it compares re fibre. Also, I like oatmeal.

    tara

    cereal
    Thanks for the advice.
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    VickiCO said:

    Grape Nuts
    My husband suffers from diverticulitis,another colon disease, and swears by Grape Nuts. Since I like sugar, and don't want to load it on my cereal, I mix it with fruit and yogurt. Yummy.

    Vicki

    Grape Nuts!
    I ate those as a kid and they were pretty good. I especially like the no sugar part. Thanks for the reminder.
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    claud1951 said:

    Ezekiel 4:9
    HI there,

    Try Ezekiel 4:9 sprouted whole grain cereal. You'll find it at heath food stores or, depending on where you live and what grocery chains you have, some of them might have a Health Food Section in them.

    I eat that plus I eat the Ezekiel bread and have for years. It's all sprouted grains. I also have a great recipe for Granola without all the sugar (I used 100% maple syrup and grapeseed oil. That's good for breakfast as well as a snack.

    Let me know is you'd like the recipe.

    Claudia

    Please send the recipe
    I hadn't heard of the Ezekiel brand, interesting. Please send the recipe you referenced. You can email it to mike@walkeragency.com. Thanks.
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    kimby said:

    Kashi
    I'm also on a high protein diet so I look for low sugar, high fiber, high protein. I most enjoy Kashi Go Lean: 10g fiber, 13g protein, 6g sugar carbs in 1cup of cereal. Steel cut oats are a favorite treat also.

    Kimby

    Kashi?
    I saw that on the shelf and kind of dismissed it as roots and shoots. I'll reinvestiage. Oats are always good, although I'm always temped to use brown sugar on it. Splenda makes a brown sugar substitute. Looks like I've got a lot of cereals to sample thanks to everyone.
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Oatmeal, the old standby
    Odd, but as I write this, there's an ad for oatmeal on the tube right now. Interesting how the old standbys are often the best. I also used to eat maltomeal in grade school and it seemed to be a tasty memory. Hmm, too bad Thanksgiving is coming, or I'd be checking out a lot of cereals next week. As it is, I'm going to take it easy and eat light on turkey day. Still haven't got my app back from the resection surgery. And if I eat too much, it comes right back up more often than not.
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    trainer said:

    Oatmeal, the old standby
    Odd, but as I write this, there's an ad for oatmeal on the tube right now. Interesting how the old standbys are often the best. I also used to eat maltomeal in grade school and it seemed to be a tasty memory. Hmm, too bad Thanksgiving is coming, or I'd be checking out a lot of cereals next week. As it is, I'm going to take it easy and eat light on turkey day. Still haven't got my app back from the resection surgery. And if I eat too much, it comes right back up more often than not.

    A blessing in disguise!
    I sometimes get the problem of having it coming back up (or exiting more quickly than is pleasant!) if I over-indulge even 4 and 2 years out from my various surgeries. Usually if I eat too much grease; I figure hey, at least I won't be seeing it on my hips in a day! Carrot juice goes down well when my stomach and intestines have been overly active from a bad eating stint. Having gone down the search for "sugar-free" eating, just remember that a lot of foods may not contain sugar, but they are converted into sugar in your body (that's how the body metabolizes food). You want to stay away from processed sugar. And don't be tempted to substitute chemical sweeteners for processed sugar; is an unnatural chemical REALLY better for your body than sugar in moderation? And remember that natural honey (local if you can find it) is not only better for your body than the white stuff, it has the added advantage of helping to lower your outdoor allergy responses since it's produced from the flowers that grow in your area. A natural foods store is a wonderful place to find organics, which cut down on the number of chemicals you are consuming, as well as locally grown organic produce.
    mary
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    msccolon said:

    A blessing in disguise!
    I sometimes get the problem of having it coming back up (or exiting more quickly than is pleasant!) if I over-indulge even 4 and 2 years out from my various surgeries. Usually if I eat too much grease; I figure hey, at least I won't be seeing it on my hips in a day! Carrot juice goes down well when my stomach and intestines have been overly active from a bad eating stint. Having gone down the search for "sugar-free" eating, just remember that a lot of foods may not contain sugar, but they are converted into sugar in your body (that's how the body metabolizes food). You want to stay away from processed sugar. And don't be tempted to substitute chemical sweeteners for processed sugar; is an unnatural chemical REALLY better for your body than sugar in moderation? And remember that natural honey (local if you can find it) is not only better for your body than the white stuff, it has the added advantage of helping to lower your outdoor allergy responses since it's produced from the flowers that grow in your area. A natural foods store is a wonderful place to find organics, which cut down on the number of chemicals you are consuming, as well as locally grown organic produce.
    mary

    Chow now
    My primary is very helpful on sugars since I'm a type 2. I take Byetta which is very good for blood sugar regulation, but has a tendency to cause nausea. I take a 10mg shot twice a day and I'm going to check with the doc to see if I ought to be switching to the 5 mg dose since I've lot more than 40 lbs through all this.

    We love the desert wildflower honey we get here in Arizona. Processed sugar is a bad deal. And we buy a lot of organic fruit and vegetables at Whole Foods. Your advice was all good, thanks.
  • CherylHutch
    CherylHutch Member Posts: 1,375
    msccolon said:

    A blessing in disguise!
    I sometimes get the problem of having it coming back up (or exiting more quickly than is pleasant!) if I over-indulge even 4 and 2 years out from my various surgeries. Usually if I eat too much grease; I figure hey, at least I won't be seeing it on my hips in a day! Carrot juice goes down well when my stomach and intestines have been overly active from a bad eating stint. Having gone down the search for "sugar-free" eating, just remember that a lot of foods may not contain sugar, but they are converted into sugar in your body (that's how the body metabolizes food). You want to stay away from processed sugar. And don't be tempted to substitute chemical sweeteners for processed sugar; is an unnatural chemical REALLY better for your body than sugar in moderation? And remember that natural honey (local if you can find it) is not only better for your body than the white stuff, it has the added advantage of helping to lower your outdoor allergy responses since it's produced from the flowers that grow in your area. A natural foods store is a wonderful place to find organics, which cut down on the number of chemicals you are consuming, as well as locally grown organic produce.
    mary

    Artificial sweetening
    Just an added bit of trivia to the alternate sweetener discussion... having learned from experience... there are numerous "brand name" candies and sweets available now that are "sugar free". Ha! Do not be fooled! They may be sugar free in that processed sugars are not used, but one of the main ingredients for sugar free treats is "maltitol". Maltitol will actually make a product taste like the original but without using sugar per se. The downside? Maltitol has a "laxative" effect... a SERIOUS one!

    I did not know this and one day bought a small bag of the sugar free "Gourmet Jelly Bellies" (tiny gourmet jelly beans). They taste EXACTLY the same as the real thing... unbelievable how you really couldn't tell the difference. Uh, I ate the whole bag, which is not saying a lot... perhaps there was 1/4 - 1/2 cup of jelly beans (more like a 1/4 cup). Within 30 minutes I knew I was in big trouble... for the rest of the day and all that evening! I thought I was going to DIE it was that bad!

    I have since learned that maltitol has that affect on the majority of people. Sheesh... I would go so far as to say if anyone is having serious constipation problems, have a couple of "sugar free" candies (and ONLY a couple, don't overdo it) made of maltitol and you will probably be cleaned out in no time ;)

    But one does have to wonder what is in that chemical that can cause such a serious side affect?? This incident happened to me about 5 years ago... long before I was diagnosed with the colon cancer. Now, well, I just won't go near them... that was a scary incident :)

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member

    Artificial sweetening
    Just an added bit of trivia to the alternate sweetener discussion... having learned from experience... there are numerous "brand name" candies and sweets available now that are "sugar free". Ha! Do not be fooled! They may be sugar free in that processed sugars are not used, but one of the main ingredients for sugar free treats is "maltitol". Maltitol will actually make a product taste like the original but without using sugar per se. The downside? Maltitol has a "laxative" effect... a SERIOUS one!

    I did not know this and one day bought a small bag of the sugar free "Gourmet Jelly Bellies" (tiny gourmet jelly beans). They taste EXACTLY the same as the real thing... unbelievable how you really couldn't tell the difference. Uh, I ate the whole bag, which is not saying a lot... perhaps there was 1/4 - 1/2 cup of jelly beans (more like a 1/4 cup). Within 30 minutes I knew I was in big trouble... for the rest of the day and all that evening! I thought I was going to DIE it was that bad!

    I have since learned that maltitol has that affect on the majority of people. Sheesh... I would go so far as to say if anyone is having serious constipation problems, have a couple of "sugar free" candies (and ONLY a couple, don't overdo it) made of maltitol and you will probably be cleaned out in no time ;)

    But one does have to wonder what is in that chemical that can cause such a serious side affect?? This incident happened to me about 5 years ago... long before I was diagnosed with the colon cancer. Now, well, I just won't go near them... that was a scary incident :)

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl

    laxative effect
    it's all the ...itol's that are used as artificial sweeteners. Sugar-free gum usually contains sorbitol which has the same effect, only we don't usually chew 1/4 to 1/2 cup of gum at a time! But, if you are having problems in that department, 3 pieces of sugar free gum should get you going! I don't remember exactly why, but it has something to do with the fact that sorbitol isn't absorbed by the intestines. I suppose i will do an internet search now to get the facts! In fact, who hasn't heard the story about the person who was tired of a co-worker coming by their desk and eating all the candy in the candy dish so they replaced it with sugar-free candy, which solved that problem in no time at all!
    mary
  • Hatshepsut
    Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
    A couple of other suggestions...

    We enjoy Weetabix. It is low fat and very flavorful served with cold vanilla (or plain) soy milk.

    While it is not a dry cereal, I would also suggest brown rice. I steam brown rice and serve it hot with plumped raisins and cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkled over the top. We like a drizzle of maple syrup over the rice and cold vanilla or plain soy milk. (I think honey would also be fine. You mentioned above that you can eat honey.)

    Happy Thanksgiving.

    Hatshepsut
  • Artificial sweetening
    Just an added bit of trivia to the alternate sweetener discussion... having learned from experience... there are numerous "brand name" candies and sweets available now that are "sugar free". Ha! Do not be fooled! They may be sugar free in that processed sugars are not used, but one of the main ingredients for sugar free treats is "maltitol". Maltitol will actually make a product taste like the original but without using sugar per se. The downside? Maltitol has a "laxative" effect... a SERIOUS one!

    I did not know this and one day bought a small bag of the sugar free "Gourmet Jelly Bellies" (tiny gourmet jelly beans). They taste EXACTLY the same as the real thing... unbelievable how you really couldn't tell the difference. Uh, I ate the whole bag, which is not saying a lot... perhaps there was 1/4 - 1/2 cup of jelly beans (more like a 1/4 cup). Within 30 minutes I knew I was in big trouble... for the rest of the day and all that evening! I thought I was going to DIE it was that bad!

    I have since learned that maltitol has that affect on the majority of people. Sheesh... I would go so far as to say if anyone is having serious constipation problems, have a couple of "sugar free" candies (and ONLY a couple, don't overdo it) made of maltitol and you will probably be cleaned out in no time ;)

    But one does have to wonder what is in that chemical that can cause such a serious side affect?? This incident happened to me about 5 years ago... long before I was diagnosed with the colon cancer. Now, well, I just won't go near them... that was a scary incident :)

    Hugggggs,

    Cheryl

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • kimby
    kimby Member Posts: 797

    A couple of other suggestions...

    We enjoy Weetabix. It is low fat and very flavorful served with cold vanilla (or plain) soy milk.

    While it is not a dry cereal, I would also suggest brown rice. I steam brown rice and serve it hot with plumped raisins and cinnamon and nutmeg sprinkled over the top. We like a drizzle of maple syrup over the rice and cold vanilla or plain soy milk. (I think honey would also be fine. You mentioned above that you can eat honey.)

    Happy Thanksgiving.

    Hatshepsut

    Mmmm....
    The brown rice idea reminds me of one of my favorites that I haven't made for breakfast in awhile....quinoa! I cook it in apple juice instead of water and throw in dried cranberries and cinnamon. Served with raw milk....mmmmmm!

    Kimby
  • trainer
    trainer Member Posts: 241
    I got yer fiber right here!
    OK, thanks to everyone for their input. I found just about all the cereals you suggested and am going to do a taste testing after Thanksgiving. It is disappointing to find out how much sugar is loaded into so many of the different cereals.

    Thanks, too, for the granola recipe. Yum.

    Mary, my wife, already loves the Weetabix or however it's spelled. It's not bad, actually.

    If I can get past the mind's image of shredded wheat being sort of processed horse hair, I can see that as a regular staple. No pun intended on the use of "regular".

    I'm definitely going to be adding my own fresh fruits to the cereals. Whole Foods has the best! Great flavors.

    So, what a great group of "cereal advisors" you are. I knew I could count on you. Thanks!
  • Joy1216
    Joy1216 Member Posts: 290 Member
    kimby said:

    Kashi
    I'm also on a high protein diet so I look for low sugar, high fiber, high protein. I most enjoy Kashi Go Lean: 10g fiber, 13g protein, 6g sugar carbs in 1cup of cereal. Steel cut oats are a favorite treat also.

    Kimby

    Kashi's Great
    The Kashi Go Lean Crunch is my favorite. I also like the Autumn Harvest, which is mini shredded wheat. I add 2 or 3 tablespoons of ground organic flax seed to my cereal and usually add either blueberries or strawberries. This provides at least 15 grams of fiber and tastes great! My husband likes the Kashi cinnamon flavored mini shredded wheat. Can't remember what it's called. The Kashi is usually in the health foods/organic section of the grocery store. It's not usually with the regular cereal. Give it a try, along with the flax seed.
    Joy
  • 2bhealed
    2bhealed Member Posts: 2,064 Member
    trainer said:

    I got yer fiber right here!
    OK, thanks to everyone for their input. I found just about all the cereals you suggested and am going to do a taste testing after Thanksgiving. It is disappointing to find out how much sugar is loaded into so many of the different cereals.

    Thanks, too, for the granola recipe. Yum.

    Mary, my wife, already loves the Weetabix or however it's spelled. It's not bad, actually.

    If I can get past the mind's image of shredded wheat being sort of processed horse hair, I can see that as a regular staple. No pun intended on the use of "regular".

    I'm definitely going to be adding my own fresh fruits to the cereals. Whole Foods has the best! Great flavors.

    So, what a great group of "cereal advisors" you are. I knew I could count on you. Thanks!

    Comfort Food = Cereal
    Hi Trainer,

    Here are my two favorite breakfast cereals that are also comfort foods for me:

    HOT--

    Old Fashioned oats (the quick oats are more processed=blood sugar issues)
    walnuts chopped
    flax seeds ground
    hemp nuts
    blueberries
    cinnamon
    agave nectar (low glycemic--yummy!)

    I cook the oats and while it's cooking, I put the blueberries (frozen)and walnuts in a bowl. When I put the hot oatmeal in the bowl the frozen blueberries help cool it. Then I add all the other ingredients.

    The hemp adds a days worth of protein and it's great for feeling full for hours. I am hypoglycemic so I know this must help my blood sugar since I don't get the lows I often do with just plain oatmeal.

    COLD--

    muesli (our coop has the BEST with dates and almonds and raisins--don't know the brand--it's in the bulk aisle)
    grapenuts
    almond milk
    banana

    I pour 1/4 c grapenuts and add some muesli in a bowl. Add milk and let it sit and get mushy. Then I add the banana. Oh man, I just love this breakfast!

    Enjoy!

    let me know if you try either one and what you think.

    peace, emily