Buzz
Breakfast is often referred to as "the most important meal of the day," and rightly so. Your first meal symbolizes exactly what its name suggests: it breaks the fasting state your body endures overnight while you sleep. Eating in the morning provides you with energy and focus to start the day right, so don't skip it, or you may feel sluggish and regret it later. Whether you're short on time, lack cooking skills, or simply crave a quick and delicious breakfast, a bowl of cereal is always a smart choice.
Steps
Enjoying Cold Cereal
Pour cereal into a bowl. The amount you pour depends entirely on your preference. A large, hearty bowl can keep you full for hours, while a smaller portion makes for a great snack. Just remember not to overfill, as you'll need room for milk.
- If you're health-conscious or unsure of the right portion size, check the nutrition label on the box. The recommended serving size will be listed there.
- Once you've poured the cereal, make sure to securely seal the bag or box to keep it fresh. You can also transfer the remaining cereal to an airtight container for extended shelf life.
Add milk. When it comes to this step, everyone has their own preferences. Start by pouring slowly, just enough for the cereal to rise a little. If you like your cereal only lightly moist and still crunchy, pour a small amount. If you prefer to enjoy it like a soup and sip the leftover milk at the bottom of the bowl, feel free to add more milk!
Consider adding extra toppings. Some people like to add a bit of fruit to their cereal, such as sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. If you want your cereal to surprise you, sprinkle in some cinnamon or sugar. Be creative! You can add anything you like, especially if the cereal flavor is mild.
Eat at your own pace. This is an important part of eating cereal. If you eat quickly, your cereal will retain some crunch. If you take your time and savor each bite, the cereal will gradually soften. Eat as fast or slow as you wish. Just make sure you're enjoying your bowl of cereal.
Drink the milk at the bottom of the bowl. After finishing your cereal, there may still be a little milk left at the bottom of the bowl, especially if you poured a lot. Don't let that delicious, cereal-flavored liquid go to waste. You have a few options for how to handle the remaining milk.
- You can pick up the bowl with both hands and drink the milk directly.
- Or you can add a bit more cereal to enjoy with the remaining milk.
Enjoying Hot Cereal
Cook hot cereal. Whether you've chosen oatmeal, cream of wheat (also known as farina), cornmeal, or another hot cereal, each type will come with specific cooking instructions. Be sure to read the packaging for the proper cooking directions. When it comes to hot cereals, there are usually options for both cooking enthusiasts and those who prefer a quick and easy meal.
Add any extra toppings you desire. After cooking your hot cereal, you can mix in some fun flavors and additional foods. For oatmeal, consider adding brown sugar, nuts, fruits, or even chocolate chips. You can also add butter to your cream of wheat or cornmeal for a delicious breakfast, or even throw in a whole egg. Adding peanut butter to hot cereal is a great option, as the heat from the cereal will melt the peanut butter and blend it into the mix. Cinnamon and sugar can also add a sweet touch to any hot cereal.
Eat your cereal. Let your hot cereal cool before eating, as burning your mouth can make for an unpleasant start to your day. If you're eager to dig in, blow on each spoonful before taking a bite. If you've added tasty mix-ins and toppings, make sure to stir them thoroughly into your cereal to enjoy them all the way through to the last bite.
- Hot cereal can stick to the sides of the bowl, so be sure to scrape along the edges to get every last bit.
Choose ingredients
Pick your cereal. If you've ever walked down the cereal aisle, you know the choices are endless. Different cereals offer a variety of breakfast experiences. Some are sweetened and packed with sugar, while others are healthier, featuring whole grains and fiber. Not all cereals are created equal, so it's worth learning more about them.
- Brightly colored, sweet cereals often taste like dessert for breakfast. Examples include Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Cookie Crisps, Trix, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. While these cereals, beloved by children, are certainly delicious, they’re loaded with sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
- If you’re after a healthier option, look for cereals high in fiber and ones where whole grains are listed first. Higher protein content is also a plus, as it will help you stay full longer. Total, Cheerios, Life, Kix, and Raisin Bran are all excellent choices.
- Don't forget to consider hot cereals. These include oatmeal, cornmeal, cream of wheat, rice, quinoa, and many more! Most have unique breakfast flavors, but you can also opt for a simpler variety and add your own toppings and mix-ins.
- Granola and muesli are also great healthy options, providing long-lasting fullness. You can even learn how to make your own muesli and granola here!
Choose your milk. Just like cereals, there are plenty of options available. From regular cow's milk to lactose-free and unsweetened varieties, you're sure to find a perfect match for your chosen cereal.
- Cow's milk is the standard option most people think of when they hear the word. The types commonly found in grocery stores include whole milk, 2% milk, 1% milk, and skim milk. Whole milk has a richer flavor with 3.25% fat. Both 2% and 1% milk have reduced fat content (2% and 1%, respectively). Skim milk has 0% fat, making it the least creamy but also the lowest in calories. You can choose the type of cow's milk based on your preferences and diet.
- Lactose-free milk is perfect for those who experience stomach discomfort after drinking regular milk. Many people are lactose intolerant and struggle to digest the milk sugar. Lactose-free milk has been treated with lactase enzyme to break down the sugar, preventing digestive issues.
- Plant-based milks are great for those who dislike cow's milk, follow a vegan diet, or simply want a change. Almond milk is the most popular plant-based milk, with various flavors like vanilla and chocolate. Other plant-based milks such as coconut milk, soy milk, flaxseed milk, and cashew milk are also available as alternatives.
Add some extra toppings. A great way to enhance the flavor, texture, or nutritional value of your breakfast cereal is to add a few extras. Fruits like blueberries and bananas are packed with vitamins and nutrients. Nuts can add a delightful crunch and boost the protein content. A spoonful of nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter, will add healthy fats and protein. Cinnamon is also a fantastic addition, adding flavor with almost no calories.
Prepare your cereal meal
Choose your bowl. You can always opt for a standard medium-sized cereal bowl, but there are other options to consider. If you wake up feeling ravenous, you’ll want to grab the largest bowl you can find. A large mixing bowl might do the trick. If you're not as hungry, a smaller bowl, like a salad bowl, could be perfect.
- Feel free to get creative and use a coffee cup, a container, or any other vessel to enjoy your cereal. Don't limit yourself to just a bowl.
Pick your spoon. The spoon you choose can significantly impact your cereal-eating experience. A smaller spoon means smaller bites, so you'll take longer to finish your cereal. Eating slowly can help prevent overeating, so a smaller spoon is ideal for anyone on a diet or simply looking for a light snack. On the other hand, a larger spoon means bigger bites. If you're hungry and ready to dive into your cereal, go for a big spoon.
Choose your eating spot. For a more formal cereal experience, sit at the dining room table or kitchen table. You can use a placemat, lay a napkin in your lap, and "enjoy" a proper meal. For a more casual breakfast, you can sit in front of the TV, work on your computer, or even eat your cereal in bed!
- If you’re really pressed for time, pour your cereal and milk into a travel cup. Grab a plastic spoon and eat your cereal while you're in the car, on the bus, or walking to school.
