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     Recently there were several postings about gluten free cereals that could be purchased from the regular grocery store, so GF children would feel like other children. 
    Unless these cereals are made in a gluten free facility, there is always the possibility and probability of cross contamination. This is a problem that each of us will have for the rest of our life. 
    Recently, I was at the health food store looking at gf cereals. There were 20 gf cereals and many of them were fruit juice sweetened. Actually, I get 4 or 5 cereals and mix them in my largest pan. That provides a constant taste of many flavors and textures, with different colors and shapes. My favorite combination is Glutino Apple and Cinnamon, (they also have a Honey Nut) Arrowhead Mills Organic Maple Buckwheat, Health Valley Blue Corn and Nature's Path Mesa Sunrise. After mixing, the cereals are put in gallon Ziploc bags for storage. After my bowl is filled, I add 2 tablespoons ground dark flaxseed and 2 tablespoons of Perky's Nutty Rice. The Nutty Rice is very crunchy like Grape Nuts and makes a nice topping. Be careful of Perky's Nutty Corn. The last I knew it was not gluten free. It is not stocked in the gluten free area of our local store. 

Many of the regular cereals are loaded with sugar. There was a lengthy report done on cereals in Canada and reported in our daily newspaper in Florence, SC. The statement that many cereals contain as much, if not more sugar than candy, was made. A dietitian stated that many parents do not realize the extent of sugar in cereals. When you can say, "Your child is eating the equivalent of a Mars Bar for breakfast," that should hit home. This is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity. 76 percent of cereals have a high level of sugar and the grains are refined to the point that they are almost devoid of fiber and nutrition. Then they are fortified with iron and vitamins. 
    Some nutrition experts think breakfast cereals shouldn't be classified as food. High-sugar cereals wreak havoc on the body's metabolism, prompting children to overeat, and affecting their ability to learn. Years ago, when we lived in Florida, our nutritionist said white sugar is empty calories and does not give energy. It stimulates the adrenal gland which gives the person a charge, then comes a let down feeling which needs another charge of something sweet. Sugar also depletes the body of Zinc, which the brain needs for learning. 
    We need to teach our children, and remind ourselves, that the primary purpose for eating is to nourish our body, not satisfy our tastebuds!! 

Best Regards, Gladys Ward

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