Kids’ breakfast is often served with cereals that are readily available in the grocery aisles. Parents think that giving their kids these sugary treats are healthy, but what they do not know is that these treats are made mostly of sugars and refined wheat which does not contain fiber.

Here are ways on how to get your kids to eat healthier versions of cereals:

Strategy 1:

Mix half and half. The goal for this strategy is to cut down on sugar. Rather than taking away your kids’ favorite sugary cereals, try mixing half a serving of kid’s cereal with half a serving of whole grain, high-fiber cereal. You’ll be giving your kids a much better nutritional boost, with many more nutrients to start their day.

When shopping for your new “mixer” cereal, be sure to look for whole wheat flour or whole grains as the first item on the ingredient list.

Strategy 2:

Introduce healthier kid-friendly cereals to your family. The goal for this strategy is to totally replace the sugar-based cereals your kids are currently eating with healthier options that still offer some fun kid appeal.

If you do not have time to prepare these healthier alternatives, try any of these alternatives:

1. MultiGrain Cheerios.

We like MultiGrain Cheerios for its variety in texture made with 5 whole grains, as well as its lower sugar content, about 1 1/2 tsp of sugar per serving.

2. Nature’s Path EnviroKidz Penguin Puffs.

This organic cereal is made with a variety of whole grains - corn, brown rice, and kamut. It offers a variety of crunchy textures and contains 3 g of fiber and only 2 tsp of sugar per serving.

3. Post’s LiveActive Nut Harvest Crunch Cereal.

Loaded with whole grains, LiveActive contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. This cereal offers more fiber than the previous two – 8 g - and also has only 2 tsp of sugar per serving.