Ok, let me turn this around on you a bit.
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I've heard that I should (for the most part) stay away from pretty much all cereals and crackers...
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Where have you heard this and why do THOSE sources say you should?
Here's the problem I have with things that people "hear".
A lot of times people will come to 3FC and say "I was told" or "I heard" or "Someone said" and then they say "why is this true?"
And the truth is that most of us will tell you ... it's NOT true.
If you hear or are told or read something somewhere and that source can't or won't tell you WHY ... then you mostly shouldn't believe it. Anyone who has something factual to tell you about diet should be able to tell you why. If they don't know the whys and wherefores then they're not a reputable source and everything they say should be viewed with suspicion.
Now, are cereals or crackers a valid part of a diet? I say yes, they can be. But as with ANY food, you have to be able to determine the healthy from the unhealthy.
Is a bowl of Lucky Charms a healthy choice? Probably not. They're high in sugar, low in fiber, and pretty much provide empty calories. Is a bowl of Kashi or a serving of oats a healthy choice? Probably so. They're high in fiber, high in protein, low in sugar and sodium, and provide a lot of nutritional bang for the calories.
Crackers? Same questions apply. Saltines? They're pretty much nutritionally empty. Wasa crackers? Or even low sodium Triscuits? High fiber, not bad for you if you are wanting something crunchy.
And, even then ... if you're counting calories and you really want a treat for yourself, then there is nothing wrong with a bowl of junky cereal or a few saltines now and then. I ate chili the other night and I had 6 saltines with it. I had the calories to spare and I chose to eat some crackers. I don't think I'm going to ruin my diet because of it and I am able to stop after 6 and not eat an entire sleeve of them.
As for breakfast, it is a super important meal and one you shouldn't skip. If you want cereal, find a healthy cereal and work it into your plan. Have a kashi waffle with some peanut butter. Have oats. Have a whole grain english muffin with peanut butter or light cream cheese and fruit.
You also don't have to have "breakfast" food for breakfast. I have had things like a 1/2 a pb sandwich, or even a turkey sandwich. I've had leftover pizza (yes, you can have healthy pizza while counting calories). I've had leftover spaghetti. I've had a tuna sandwich or a chicken sandwich.
If you don't like breakfast foods or don't have time to do eggs or something ... then have something you like. There's no law that says you have to eat eggs and cereal for breakfast!
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