Showing posts with label #Fibre1ACD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Fibre1ACD. Show all posts

Monday, June 3, 2013

General Mills *Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight* Cereal Review

 MY RATING: A  BIG THUMBS UP!

    As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and with my recent lifestyle change of exercising and eating healthier, I decided to sign up for my chance to take the Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight Cereal Challenge. Not to mention, I have major stomach problems, and my surgeon had told me it is essential that my fibre intake be drastically increased. However, it has proven difficult for me to find many foods I truly enjoy that are high in fibre.
   
    When my box of cereal arrived in the afternoon, I did not want to wait until the next morning to try it, so both my little guy (2.5 years old) and I chowed down on a bowl--VERY quickly! I can honestly say it was really tasty and I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or my son, which is surprising for a toddler to enjoy a 'healthier' cereal :) Needless to say, this just proves that the flavour is superb, without needing added sugar! 
The cereal consists of whole grain flakes and almond-filled clusters. I've always been a sucker for almonds, and these clusters are like a little treat! I even enjoyed another bowl that evening (yes, I AM one of those people who sometimes enjoys a bowl of cereal for dinner!)
   





Here are some facts about the Almond & Clusters cereal:
  • 1 cup amounts to 40% of your daily fibre intake (10g)
  • 1 serving (1 cup) consists of your daily-recommended iron intake (great for us anemic individuals)
  • 25% of your calcium value with milk 
  • packed full of other essential vitamins and minerals
According to diabetes.ca, the benefits of eating fibre are through the roof:

"Combats constipation
  • The most undisputed advantage of insoluble fibre is its ability to soften and expand stool volume, speeding up fecal transit and elimination.
  • Commercial preparations such as agar (Agarol) and psyllium (Metamucil) are effective stool bulkers.
Improves control
  • Soluble fibre from legumes, barley, oats, some fruit and vegetables can help regulate blood sugar swings and by lowering serum cholesterol, protect against heart disease.
  • Excess blood fats are possibly reduced by soluble fibres such as pectin, bean and oat gums, and the types in legumes (lentils, chickpeas, navy, pinto or kidney beans).
Heart health
  • May improve by diets rich in fibre, through its cholesterol lowering effects.
Possible protection against cancer
  • In the bowel, bacteria converts fibre into short chain fatty acids, which provide energy for the body and may help protect against cancer."

    Really, what is there NOT to like about this cereal? I have tried the Fibre 1 bars in the past, but I prefer this cereal over those any day. Furthermore, I have eaten other "clean" cereals in the past, but have found without added sugar to my bowl, they do not have the great flavour. Well, that defeats the purpose of 'healthy' now, doesn't it?
  Again, within this "challenge," I was to eat the cereal for a total of one week every morning for breakfast. I was anxious to experience the results and see if it did in fact help with my intestinal issues. Well, I can tell you by the second afternoon, I was already noticing a difference, and by the end of the week...wait, the box didn't even last the entire week because I ate it all by Day Four! I can honestly say it had done wonders for my digestive tract though!

    Overall, I do recommend anyone and everyone to try a bowl of this tasty goodness! As parents, we know how difficult it is to remember that WE  need to are get our nutrients on a daily basis. Between feeding our little ones, driving them to sports or other activities, completing the normal household chores and getting the kids ready for bed, I admit I have even skipped meals simply because I was "too busy with other things." So, with the Fibre 1 cereal, I take those few minutes every morning to sit with my kids before school and enjoy a bowl, knowing at least I am getting a well-balanced breakfast. If your kiddos enjoy it like mine do, that's an even greater bonus!

Any negatives? Although this cereal is not yet available in your local grocery store, I can only guess that it may have a higher price point than your average cereal. However, that is only a small 'price' to pay for better health.

So, now is the really exciting part for all of you! Get your calendars out because from June 3rd through 25th (while supplies last), fans will have the chance to snag one of two coupons redeemable on either July 16th or July 23rd, 2013.  To keep yourself informed of these upcoming events, head over and become a fan of the Life Made Delicious Facebook page here. This is also a great page to find out more about eating healthier and is a great resource for quick and family-friendly meals!





* Disclosure – I am participating in the Fibre 1 Almond & Cluster Delight Cereal blogger campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of General Mills. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.