By Mary Sheila Gonnella NC, BCHN

What is ‘Cereal Box Nutrition’?

When I teach a nutrition class, I always ask how many people studied nutrition in school. There are a few hands that go up, but not many. 

Instead of being taught about nutrition in school, we end up getting most of our nutritional education through marketing, or what I call “cereal box nutrition”. And the truth is, we’re being marketed to all the time. 

We are not only exposed to marketing claims, “from the cradle to the grave” but we’re also uninformed about nutrition because we were never taught it in school. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that the nutritional education they’ve received is incomplete until they start looking into it themselves. 

Too often we rely on marketing materials or the claims written on the front of cereal boxes, or any food box for that matter, to inform our decisions about what we eat and how healthy it is for us – but these sources aren’t always reliable. 

These health claims can be deceiving as some products claiming to “lower cholesterol” or “boost immunity” may actually be full of sugar and preservatives. It’s essential that we take control of our own nutrition by educating ourselves so that we can make healthy choices.

Why Is It Important to Educate Yourself on Diet and Nutrition?

It can be overwhelming to make sense of the flood of nutrition claims that are available out there, especially when whole food groups can be left out of some of the fad diets. However, with a bit more effort and education, you can gain an understanding of the facts and make informed decisions about your own diet. 

When you  go beyond ‘cereal box nutrition,’ you’ll start to learn how food meets your physiology, and understand what’s in your food, and how it works in the body. You will be able to read labels and recognize which ingredients are beneficial, and which are not. 

Take Control of Your Own Nutrition

This knowledge can help you choose healthier options that meet your dietary needs. Furthermore, educating yourself on diet and nutrition lets you plan meals more effectively, allowing for a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. 

Knowing how brands market their products is also important when it comes to choosing the right food. By recognizing marketing tactics used by companies, such as unhealthy claims or artificial ingredients, you can avoid being deceived into buying something that isn’t good for you. With this information, you’ll make informed decisions on what types of foods best suit your lifestyle.

How To  Go Beyond “Cereal Box” Nutrition 

Learning how to make informed choices about your nutrition is essential for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. There are several practical steps you can take to achieve this: 

• Educate yourself on the latest nutrition science by doing your own research. 
• Read labels carefully to identify which ingredients are beneficial, and which are not. 
• Recognize marketing tactics used by companies such as unhealthy claims or artificial ingredients. 
• Plan meals more effectively by taking into consideration vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients needed for a strong body. 
• Create your own meal plan with balanced proteins, carbs, and fats for each meal. 
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed to ensure optimal results. 

Check Out the Vitality Club Masterclass: Food Is Information!

The first step is to educate yourself. In my Vitality Club, you can learn how to make informed choices about your nutrition. In there, you will find my masterclass – Food Is Information. 

I shared this class with one client a few years ago, and the next time I saw her she said, “Mary Sheila, I’ve been following what you told me about how to balance my proteins, carbs, and fats for each meal, and I’ve lost 13 pounds, and I don’t feel like I’m restricting anything!” 

It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not cereal box nutrition! Join the masterclass, learn more, and get all the perks that come with a Vitality Session including, recipes, handouts, the masterclass, the private facebook group, and the live Q&A with me and my community to ask any questions you have!

Click here and watch this free video to start choosing your carbs wisely for great digestion, protection from disease, and healthy, vital nourishment.