Fiber, Protein, and Stretching Your Cereal Dollar

FrankBlunt

I'm the sort of guy who likes to have cereal for dinner a few times per week, but I know that milk doesn't provide sufficient protein. Nor do most cereals have adequate fiber content unless they're bran.

The mega stores, at least in America, sell cartons of whey protein for $12. I checked with the nutrition center, and their protein powder ranges from $15 to $50 with limited additional benefit. The $12 carton contains 30 servings, each with 46% of your daily recommended intake of protein, 15% of calcium, 110 calories, and only 2% total fat. Flavors include chocolate and vanilla, but I find vanilla to be far more versatile.

As for stretching out one's cereal dollar, try adding plain oats. 1/2 cup has twice the fiber content than 1 cup of your average oat-based cereal. I find no difference in flavor between the generic and the name brand tub of oats, and I buy 42oz. containers for less than $2. Compare that price/quantity ratio to most cereals, even those in the environmentally friendly bags.

If cholesterol is a problem for you, check the nutrition label on dried pinto beans the next time you visit the store. You don't need a pressure cooker, believe it or not. Soak them overnight, and then you can either simmer them on the stove or use the microwave.

FrankBlunt · Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:30 pm Post subject:

I have an update on the protein powder sold at the mega stores for those of you who are interested.

The price has risen to $13, ~~but the mega store about which people complain the most does not charge sales tax.~~ It's food to them, but to their primary competitor it's a taxable dietary supplement. ~~Long story short, you'll save more than a dollar per container in the process of kicking yourself.~~

EDIT: Both stores now charge sales tax on this product, I discovered today.

FrankBlunt · Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:15 am Post subject:

The cartons of whey protein that I discussed claim to be 100% aspartame free, but now contain sucralose, which is marketed under the name of Splenda. If Splenda was wonderful and safe, it would be promoted with a high profile on the front of packaging just as Nutrasweet (aspartame) was in the beginning.

There's plenty of research to suggest that not one artificial sweetener is safe for consumption. Consider that sucralose contains chlorine components that substitute for hydroxyl groups in sucrose. I'm fine with sodium chloride (table salt) in terms of chlorine, and that's a natural bond, but when manufacturers start fiddling with the chemical composition of pure sugar and sneak it into our food with the blessing of the F.D.A. (****ing Dumb ***es), it makes my perceived self perceivably nervous.

Long story short, I'm not buying that protein powder ever again. It's back to chicken and turkey, chock full of ominous growth hormones.

In closing, check your labels, write your Congressmen, and share in my imagery of food additive manufacturing plants burning and/or Splenda executives / lobbyists spontaneously combusting.
_________________
You have the power of second sight. Turn your head.