When it comes to eating healthy, it would seem as though the standard whole grains, fruits, and veggies just won’t cut it anymore. Everything from yogurts to crackers have added antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, mineral- You name it, you’ll find it in there. Unfortunately, much of these “enhancements” are merely gimmicks, enticing consumers to buy otherwise nutritionally questionable foods. Just think of Coke Plus, which is purely chemicals and water, but wait! It’s good for you because it has vitamins, right?
So it’s with great reluctance that I pick up such items off the shelves. While I’d love to believe that such additions really do improve the quality of the foods and offer substantial health benefits, it’s even rarer that you can find such a product that doesn’t suffer in the taste department as a result. Taking a chance on Nutritious Living cereals, I was thrilled to discover that it was in fact possible to get the best of both worlds.
Antioxidant Indulgence, a medley of dark brown cereal flakes, freeze-dried strawberries, and whole goji berries, it certainly sounded promising. Right out of the box, it smelled sweet and chocolaty; enticing for someone who prefers sweeter cereals like me. Providing a serious crunch, the thick, sturdy flakes delivered a surprisingly good chocolate flavor, not the least bit artificial or overwhelming like so many other “chocolate” cereals. Alternating between bites of chewy, tart goji berries, the light, crisp strawberries, and these fantastic flakes, this cereal really does have everything I could ask for in a breakfast or snack. Sweet yet hearty and satisfying, with a wholesome wheat flavor supporting it all, I would recommend it to absolutely anyone who eats cereal!
For those looking for a purely nutritious, no-frills option, the Omega-3 Harmony may just be the cereal for you. Although it smelled strangely of pumpkin at first, the similarly thick but less sweet flakes are very simple wheat and flax seed creations. That filling cereal base became monotonous and forgettable as I worked my way to the bottom of the bowl, but mix-ins are what this variety is all about. Whole walnuts add another dimension to the crunchy bite, and plump, plentiful cranberries that are as big as ripe grapes are scattered throughout adding tart bursts of flavor. It may not be something to write home about, but if you’re looking for a solid breakfast that won’t leave you dragging mid morning, this one will keep you well-nourished and satisfied.
With an eye on both health and palate, these are two cereals that should be pantry staples for anyone else trying to eat well while being mindful of their well being.
[Written for Go Dairy Free]