First Step To Making Everyday A Good Day

My love of Kashi.
I was first introduced to the brand of Kashi long before I ate my first bowl of Kashi Cereal. I remember seeing commercials on TV for the "7 Whole-Grains on a Mission" brand, but I never really gave it much thought. Before Kashi cereal, I was all about Special K- Red Berries. I would eat that every morning with fresh strawberries. But, Special K wasn't quite doing it for me. Yeah, I loved the taste, but it wasn't leaving me satisfied or full for very long. It wasn't until I took a nutrition college course last fall that I understood why. Special K lacked protein and fiber which is the key to satiety (feeling satisfied after eating) and staying full. I could go on to explain why this is, but for the sake of this post, I'll keep it simple. So on my search to finding a more nutritious and filling breakfast I came across Kashi. Kashi's Go Lean Crunch provides 9 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber compared with Special K's 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. Kashi also provides less sodium and more potassium (for any of you who understands the sodium-potassium pump you know that this is a good thing!) Sodium is an extremely important electrolyte in the body and is essential for maintaining fluid balance. However, a diet high in sodium can negatively effect the body in many ways. Examples: water-retention (bloating) & high blood pressure. Potassium is the electrolyte that balances out sodium. In short, a diet low in sodium and higher in potassium does a body good! So back to Kashi. After eating Kashi cereal for breakfast, I was feeling fuller longer and was left feeling satisfied with my breakfast. While there are many varieties of Kashi cereals, my favorites include:

Cold Cereal:

• Kashi Go Lean Crunch (Great if you love a good crunch)
• Kashi Go Lean Crisp (Fruity- Blueberries and cranberries inside)
• Kashi Go Lean (The most nutritious of them all!- 13g Protein, 10g Fiber, 6g Sugar, 480mg Potassium, 85mg sodium- compare that to the cereal you're eating now!)

Warm:

• Kashi Heart to Heart Oatmeal- Creamy Truly Vanilla
• Kashi Heart to Heart Oatmeal- Maple Brown Sugar
• Kashi GOLEAN Instant Hot Cereal, Hearty Honey & Cinnamon, 11.28-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)

TIPS: When eating any of the varieties of Kashi, you must add fresh blueberries! It will bring your Kashi experience to the next level (nutrition and taste). I  also have my Kashi cereal with Vanilla Silk Soymilk. It really is the perfect pair for Kashi and also has all the added benefit of soy over cow's milk. Also, whenever Kashi is on sale at target or the grocery store I get like 10 boxes! Not even kidding. Don't be afraid to stock up! You can also buy Kashi online in bulk from amazon.com (as shown in links).

Now, I love Kashi products so much that I will usually have Kashi cereal for Breakfast, and Kashi oatmeal for lunch. Now I wouldn't recommend this when first starting out with Kashi. Because of the extra fiber your body will need just a little break in period to adjust (if you know what I'm saying).  But give it time and you'll be golden! Also, just eat a serving size (around a cup) any more than that and the fiber...well...just trust me.

Here are some of my other favorite Kashi products:

• Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bar, Dark Mocha Almond, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi TLC Cookies, Oatmeal Dark Chocolate, 8.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 3)
• Kashi TLC Cereal Bar, Blackberry Graham, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi TLC Fruit & Grain Bar, Dark Chocolate Coconut, 6-Count Bars (Pack of 6)
• Kashi Taty Little Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Flax, 8.5-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6)

If you haven't gotten my point yet, the first step to a good day is, well EAT BREAKFAST! And make it a Kashi breakfast! You've been taught your whole life that breakfast is the most important meal! They aren't lying! When you wake up in the morning your body is in fasting mode from sleeping. Your metabolism has slowed down significant to conserve energy in order to make it through the night. Skipping breakfast keeps your body in this fasting mode, trying to conserve energy and will keep it there until you eat something. Eating Breakfast sets up your body for the rest of the day! You should eat within 30 minutes upon waking to kick start your metabolism and to fuel your body for the day. And eat nutritiously throughout the whole day. My recommendations for doing so: EAT WHOLE ALL NATURAL FOODS! Eat your Fruits & Veggies! Get rid of the highly processed food.  Its not just the calories that you need to watch, it's how those calories are made up that really counts. Make sure that what makes up each calorie is natural and not some chemically engineered product!

So for the love of Kashi, try a bowl, and as it says on the box; "See how far it takes you"!