#raisin-bran

#raisin-bran

Think about the last time you ate a bag of Chex Mix. Out of all the different kinds of pieces in the snack mix, which ones were left at the bottom of the bag once you'd already picked through all the ones you liked? If you're like me, then Wheat Chex make up the dregs of the bag every single time, and that's because, quite simply, they taste terrible.

When I lived in a big city, I used to love treating myself to lunches at trendy salad spots. Tasty as these take-out meals were, they were terrible for my wallet, and I didn't have full visibility into or control over the ingredients that went into them. I've since turned into an avid meal-prepper and make my own lunch - almost always a fiber- and protein-packed grain bowl - for a fraction of the price.

Compared with a control group that also reduced calories but did not eat oats, those on the oat based plan saw a markedly greater improvement in their cholesterol levels. The reduction remained noticeable even six weeks later. Researchers also found that the diet changed the balance of bacteria in the gut. Substances produced by these microbes appear to play an important role in the health benefits linked to oats.

Fiber comes in two forms - soluble and insoluble. The former helps to regulate blood sugar levels in in the body, while the latter promotes healthy digestion by keeping food moving through the gut. Many fruits contain both types of fiber, so incorporating them into your snacks, breakfast bowls, and desserts comes with significant benefits.

Late-night snacking has had a bad rap for a long time. When pop culture takes a stab at this (very) human thing, it often portrays the scene as pernicious or, at best, distasteful. Combine that with regular condemnation by diet culture and accusatory media headlines that frame after-dinner eating as a moral failing, and it's easy to see why most of us want to steer clear.

In addition to selecting a mix of quality fruit, a key to constructing the perfect berry bowl is layering a creamy base with succulent fruit elements, plus contrastingly crunchy toppings. To keep toppings like granola, cereal, and puffed grains crunchy, though, there is one important rule you need to follow: Add the toppings on just before serving the berry bowl.

The ad leans into the truth about Raisin Bran that, for decades, it tried to obscure with messaging about its plentiful raisin content: This cereal makes you poop. I'll admit: I laughed. I can't deny a good poop joke, and its frankness about the reason some people enjoy bran cereal reminded me of my favorite SNL sketches for " Colon Blow" cereal.

If you love cereal but you're the kind of person who prefers to stick to organic foods for the most part, then you need to know about Cascadian Farm. This brand produces a large line of organic cereals in tons of different flavors, ranging from the crunchy, textured cereals that can help you meet your daily fiber requirements to the fun, kid-friendly cereals that come in chocolatey and fruit flavors.

By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland's Best. In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.

Barley, the grain that is featured in this dish, is one of our most nutritious grains; it contributes protein, thiamine and niacin. Barley also is a rich source of dietary fiber. For a vegan rendition, use vegan yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing and use olive oil instead of butter when sauteing the mushrooms. The dish is a main course salad and should be served at room temperature.

If your grocery store is anything like mine, then you have seemingly endless cereal options to choose from when you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast. Some may prefer cereal that's on the sweeter end of the spectrum, like these chocolate breakfast cereals, and others may prefer a brighter, fresher flavor and opt for fruity cereals. On the other hand, those who want to cut down on sweetness will probably look for no sugar added cereals.

In this version, cooked butternut squash is mashed directly onto a thick slice of warm raisin-walnut toast and topped with crumbled feta and a sprinkling of crunchy dukkah - a nutty Middle Eastern blend of toasted seeds and spices. The result is an easy, vibrant, flavorful breakfast that carries you through the morning without feeling rich. To make mornings simpler, cook the squash ahead - roasted, sautéed or even microwaved - and keep it on hand for a week of toast, wraps, salads and simple sides.