The breakfast cereal we know today is a relatively recent creation. In colonial times, people typically consumed porridge or leftovers for breakfast. By the 1800s, as the nation expanded, so did breakfast. “A trend emerged with the European aristocracy to have large breakfast buffets with items like cold-smoked tongue, ham, sausage, and egg dishes,” culinary historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson explains to The History Channel. These hearty meals were especially popular in rural Midwestern areas, serving as fuel for farmers and laborers for their long workdays.
By the late 19th century, however, there was a growing awareness that consuming large amounts of meat and eggs might not be the healthiest choice (via The History Channel). According to Kellogg’s, the original version of the corn flakes we know today was invented in 1894 by the company’s founder, W.K. Kellogg, introducing a new staple to the American diet.
Sugary cereals can lead to restless sleep
Although cereal is typically linked with breakfast, Cooking Light suggests that it can be a go-to snack for those who have trouble sleeping. Eating cereal at night isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s important to avoid sugary cereals low in fiber. These can cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin, leading to restless sleep. Moreover, the combination of sugar and lack of fiber may increase hunger the next morning.
According to SFGate, the cereals you consume before bed should be made from whole grains, contain less than 250 calories per cup, and include at least 3 grams of fiber. Eating whole grain and fiber-rich cereal at night might even aid in weight management. A bowl of healthy cereal before bed could be especially helpful after a workout. Sports nutritionist Dr. John Berardi explains to SFGate that your body needs to replenish carbohydrates post-exercise. However, if your goal is weight loss and you’ve already reached your daily calorie limit, consuming even a healthy cereal at night may hinder your progress by exceeding your calorie quota.
Malina Linkas Malkani, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, supports the idea of eating high-fiber cereal before bed if she’s hungry. “A light snack that offers a balance of fiber, protein, and fat helps me sleep better and prevents late-night snacking on unhealthy foods,” she shares with U.S. News & World Report.
