In our previous blog post, we described my dad’s original homemade cereal recipe. It’s kid-friendly and nutritious. It’s also parent-friendly because it doesn’t require cooking, clean-up is minimal, and you can vary it according to your tastes and needs.
Here’s a calculator you can use to figure out the basic nutrients in your cereal. Just use the drop-down menus to select the amount of each ingredient that you use. If you don’t use a particular ingredient, just skip it. Then click, “submit,” to see calories and important nutrients (why these nutrients?).
Build-Your-Own Cereal Nutrition Calculator
Nutrition Totals (Per Serving)
*Estimates based on USDA averages. Values will vary by brand and preparation.
**For example, dried cherries, dried cranberries, dried pineapple chunks, sliced prunes
***For example, chopped peanuts, sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, cashew halves, sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Why these nutrients?
Calories – Indicates how much energy, and needed for weight control
Fat – Source of energy and helps you stay full
Saturated fat – less healthy type of fat – limit this!
Sodium – linked to higher blood pressure in some people – some adults may need to watch sodium
Total carbohydrates – lets you monitor if you’re cutting back on carbs (adults especially!)
Dietary fiber – a healthy option for digestion, blood sugar control, and cholesterol control
Added sugars – a source of calories without nutrients – less is usually better
Protein – helps you fill up and supports growth and muscles
Calcium – essential mineral for strong bones – but many kids and grown-ups don’t get enough
Want to know more about nutrition and feeding hungry kids while staying healthy yourself? Talk to me anytime!