Corn Flakes for Weight Loss? Good or Bad

Cornflakes and other cereals are not recommended for weight loss as they do not have a place in the perfect breakfast menu.

Corn Flakes for Weight Loss? Good or Bad
Corn Flakes for Weight Loss? Good or Bad

Possibly the most significant meal of the day is breakfast. Although there is some disagreement over whether it should be the heaviest or lightest meal of the day, almost all health professionals seem to agree on one thing: breakfast should never be skipped. This is one of the most important health rules, and you should always abide by it, especially if you want to lose weight.

In addition to keeping your energy levels high, eating a healthy breakfast is crucial for controlling your blood sugar levels and preventing lunchtime overeating. Although it may be a little more challenging than you anticipated, eating a high-quality breakfast is just as important as never skipping it.

One of the most well-liked breakfast foods worldwide is cornflakes and for good reason. They are readily available, practical, prepared, and filling. Some people have cornflakes for breakfast each day. They go well with milk and can be topped with nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit. Since they are simple to digest, they could even be mistaken for being "healthy."

Cornflakes come in a variety

Cornflakes have become more alluring over time thanks to the inclusion of variations like strawberry, mixed fruit, almond, and organic honey.

They have a relatively low-fat content, which may be part of the reason for their success. However, they also include extra sugar and salt (sodium).

There are four reasons why cornflakes are bad for weight loss:

  1. Nutrient deficiency

Contrary to popular belief, consuming too many calories is not the only factor in weight gain. While calories undoubtedly play a role, other elements, such as a deficiency in nutrients in our diets, can cause weight gain.

The majority of cornflakes on the market don't have enough nutrients in them.

Since they don't meet our body's requirements, we often feel the need for more food, which leads to overeating and weight gain.

2. Added sugar

Although many people think of cornflakes as a healthy breakfast option, many of the varieties are loaded with sugar.

Table sugar, liquid glucose, malt syrup, honey, molasses, and artificial sweeteners are all examples of added sugar.

For those trying to lose weight, consuming these kinds of cornflakes is not the best option.

3. They are processed

Even though cornflakes are a well-liked breakfast item, many of you might not be aware of how processed they are.

Foods that have been altered from their natural state are frequently high in sugar, and calories, and lack nutritional value.

4. High glycemic index

You must pay attention to the glycemic index of foods if you want to lose weight.

According to how quickly they raise blood sugar levels, carbohydrates are ranked on a scale from 0 to 100 by the glycemic index (GI).

Cornflakes are rated as having a glycemic index of 70 or higher.

Do cornflakes really help you lose weight?

The simple response to this query is no. You can tell that cornflakes are not a healthy option for your breakfast by taking a quick look at the nutritional profile of the common cornflakes. Despite having a low-fat content, cornflakes are unhealthy due to the addition of sugar and corn syrup. The amount of malt, fructose corn syrup, and sugar in cornflakes makes them very high in refined sugars.

There is a lot of fructose in the corn syrup that is used in cornflakes. This suggests that they also have a high Glycemic Index value, making them unfit for daily consumption. A breakfast high in sugar can make the body less responsive to insulin, which can lead to diabetes. As blood sugar levels rise, the body produces more insulin, which causes cells to store fat. Weight gain results from this.

SUMMARY

People's definitions of breakfast vary greatly, especially if they are trying to lose weight. No matter if you skip breakfast or eat a light or heavy meal, as long as you consume the recommended number of calories, it won't matter. The metabolism controls everything.

Cornflakes or other cereals, however, are not a good choice for weight loss because they can never really find a place in the ideal breakfast platter. Dietary meals or prepared meals are just choices; they are not a substitute. Opt for oat, wheat, or even ragi flakes in place of cornflakes if you'd like.

Jayti Shah is a Clinical Nutritionist with a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a member of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA). Over the last 9 years, she has helped 400 clients in their clinical and weight loss journeys. She works with SocialBoat as a nutrition consultant.

At SocialBoat, we offer custom diet plans and guided workouts to help you achieve your goals in a 360-degree approach. Our gamified experience ensures that you don’t find workouts boring and we reward you for being consistent with your efforts.

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