Back to my adventures at BLEND!
These three ladies put on an amazing retreat. Even though I only experienced a small part of it, I obsessively checked the #blend2015 hashtag all weekend long on Instagram. It looked like such an awesome event with so many great sponsors, activities, and food. (People, the food looked incredible!) I’m already looking forward to next year!
Ok, let me tell you about my participation at BLEND this year. My friends at General Mills sponsored a trail run complete with a cereal trail mix bar featuring their cereals. It was held on Friday afternoon during registration, so attendees could create their own customized cereal mix to take with them on the trail run or eat afterward.
The trail mix bar featured many popular cereals from General Mills, including Cheerios, Cheerios + Ancient Grains (one of my current favs), Lucky Charms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch (one of my forever favs), Rice Chex, Chocolate Chex (love so much – almost too much), Fiber One, Kix, and Nature Valley Oats āĖn Honey Protein Granola (this stuff is bomb).
There were all sorts of goodies to add to your trail mix creation– everything from chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts to chia seeds, goji berries, and sweet ginger bits.
There were even fun mix-ins like goji powder, organic peanut butter powder, and cayenne. You could get really creative with your cereal blend!
The cereal trail mix bar was a HUGE hit with everyone!
We had a constant stream of people going through the cereal trail mix bar for the entire duration of registration and the trail run.
How adorable are the cereal trail mix labels?!
Everyone was having so much fun with the cereal trail mix bar, I just had to make one too!
All my favorites in one bag!
In addition to sponsoring the trail run and cereal trail mix bar, General Mills wanted to gather info from attendees about their breakfast habits and thoughts on cereal. They’re a big company and know they have an impact on food, so, for them, it’s not about quick fixes, but longer term solutions. Basically, they care about their customers and what’s in our food, so they wantEd to hear honest feedback to improve their products.
My role at BLEND was chatting up attendees and asking them to fill out a short survey from General Mills. Everyone I talked with was more than willing to help, so we ended up with some really great feedback. If you’re interested in sharing your opinions with General Mills, feel free to respond to the questions below!
Questions of the Day
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
How often do you eat cereal?
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
65 Comments
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Calories, carbs, protein. I usually stick to 220-320 cals, keeping the carbs on the middle to higher end, and packed with protein (think 2 whole grain slices of bread, turkey bacon and two egg whites)
How often do you eat cereal? once or twice a week. I eat it as a prework out snack as well.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? more protein!
Read more at http://carrotsncake.com/2015/05/cereal-trail-mix-bar-survey.html#m4VuQICsrkboZivH.99
I decide based on either what my boyfriend makes for me (usually on the weekends), or what I decide to bring to work. Usually oatmeal, with flax seed meal, chia seeds, peanut butter, and protein powder mixed in.
What’s important is for it to be filling. I love eating, and if my breakfast fills me up i don’t mindlessly snack.
ugh I eat cereal whenever i allow myself to buy it, and usually it lasts MAYBE two days. I love cereal. I will eat cereal for every meal and snack if I buy it.
No real changes in cereal, i love the bad for me kind of cereal- reese’s puffs, froot loops, etc.
I love that GM is being so proactive with finding out what the public wants in terms of their breakfasts. I have seen so many posts about working with GM and I think it’s really cool what they are doing. Also, that trail mix bar looks AMAZING. I think I would be so overwhelmed I wouldn’t even know what to make!
that looks seriously amazing! i love love grown foods cereal because it actually has some nutrition!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
Mostly based on the nutrition, some days I just eat what is in the house.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Good protein and low in sugar
How often do you eat cereal?
Rarely, mostly for dessert
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
Less artificial ingredients, less sugar, less marketing to children
I pretty much eat the same thing every day for breakfast during weekdays: peanut butter and banana toast and a yogurt. I look for something that doesn’t have a TON of added sugar and includes enough protein to keep me from getting snacky during the first few hours at the office. I used to be a daily cereal eater, but my stomach for some reason doesn’t always like milk in the morning. I mostly snack on dry cereal from time to time. I’d like to see some healthy options that don’t taste like cardboard but aren’t laden with sugar. I LOVE dried berries and nuts added in to cereal.
I always try to eat something for breakfast that has some serious staying power. For me its either a homemade acai bowl with fresh fruit and granola, or steel-cut oatmeal with almond or cashew butter. I actually try to stay away from cereal just because it doesn’t tie me over. If I do it eat (and I love it), I usually have it after dinner as a dessert : )
Love this! Here are some of my priorities/wish list for cereal. I look for large serving sizes, low sugar/low calorie, high protein and/or high fiber!
1 i eat eggs for breakfast every day. I do this because having lost a lot ofweight i find that having 1 meal a constant helps me maintain.
2 it’s important for breakfast to be high in protein with not too much fat or carbs ( i eat those with dinner)
3 i prefer cereal as a snack as opposed to breakfast and eat it about 3 times a week plus mix it in my yogurt
4 i wish all cereal came in portion controlled pouches and had more fiber
I pick my breakfast based on what will keep me feeling satisfied until lunch. Also, it needs to taste good!
I look for foods that are minimally processed, have high protein, have good fats, and are low in sugar. I find that if I start my morning with something sweet I just crave sugar throughout the day.
I don’t have cereal often, it’s more of a “special treat” for me. I probably buy one box a month.
My issue with cereal is that if it tastes good it probably won’t keeps feeling full for me and if it doesn’t keeps feeling full it probably doesn’t taste good.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
I eat what is quick and convenient and can be prepped the night before. If I leave it till the morning, I’ll drive through McDonald’s or Dunkin Donuts š Normally my breakfast is a protein shake that I prep the night before and blend in the morning. Sometimes I get on an egg and bacon kick and I make those the night before I make enough for the week on Sunday and just reheat in the morning.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
I try to keep my protein and fiber high at breakfast. Other than that, I don’t pay too much attention.
How often do you eat cereal?
I get on cereal kicks but I never have it for breakfast. Cereal is more like a snack/dessert for me and I’ll have it before bed. If I’m on a kick, I’ll have it probably 3-5 times a night until the box is done.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
My favorite cereal is Lucky Charms and I don’t want any changes done to that sugary goodness. My “health” cereal go to is honey bunches of oats because I love the combination of sweet, “healthy”, and crunchy. It is just the right combination for me. I’m not a big fan of nut cereals because I feel like they are usually too bland or difficult to eat (too much crunch to navigate I guess). Honey B of O has the right balance.
I enjoy GF rice crispies and Chex the most, using them in yogurt and cereal bars!
1. I look for something for breakfast with some staying power – if I’m working, 2 eggs with a slice of ham and a little grated cheese on Ezekial bread. If I’m home for the day with the kids, we might make oatmeal (steel cut unless we’re in a rush) with fruit and nut butter stirred in.
2. I look for something to help keep me satisfied until (almost) lunch to try and avoid snacking. Works well usually, not so much now (but I am in first trimester of pregnancy, so that might be why…..). I do not look too much at nutritional numbers, but I want something with a decent amount of protein.
3. In a non-pregnant state I rarely eat cereal. In my pregnant state – I eat a small bowl 4-5 days a week — either as a snack between dinner and bed or (more frequently) as something quick and easy to get into my stomach ASAP after getting up to help with nausea.
4. I would love to see more cereals that help keep me full for longer. My biggest complaint with cereal is that I eat it, and then am hungry 2 hours later. I would also like less sugar in pretty much all cereals, and less marketing towards the young children on pretty unhealthy cereals (Trix, Lucky Charms, Froot Loops, etc). Not that they’re not delicious – I love them all – but certainly not great options for a good start to the day.
Eek, sorry this turned out to be so long, but I love that GM is actually curious about what real people think!! š
That cereal bar looks amazing, I forgot all about Kix, now I want some! I generally eat baked oatmeal because I can make it ahead of time and can put chia seeds and almond butter in it to up my protein. I find that if I don’t have protein and carbs in the morning, I get hungry really quickly. I eat cereal probably 2 – 3 days a week but usually as a night time snack.
Sorry I missed the survey! Denver was out of rental cars when I arrived. I waited an hour for one.
What do I look for in breakfast? A good amount of protein and complex carbs. Something that will help me recover quickly from my morning workout.
I never eat cereal and the reason why is because they have way too much sugar. It’s been awhile since I looked at cereal so it may be different, but all the sugar’s a big turnoff for me.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
– First is convenience. It has to be something that I can pull together quickly (yogurt, granola and fruit is a current favorite) or something that I can prepare in advance and just heat up (frittata).
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
– Protein is a must to keep me full.
How often do you eat cereal?
– I never have just a bowl of cereal with milk anymore, but I do enjoy putting some granola on top of my yogurt.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
– Less sugar! Also, ingredients that I can pronounce. I’ll often reach for granola or bars for breakfast, but I want them to only be made up of ingredients that I can pronounce (oats, nuts, seeds and for a little sweetness maple syrup or honey, etc…)
I hope you grabbed a ton of Quest bars! They’re my FAVORITE!
I honestly don’t eat cereal often. I usually will eat something I can share with my son easily, like toast or oatmeal. But man that trail mix bar looks good!!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
Depends on my day. If I’m going to be working and know that I’m not going to get a big lunch, I adjust my breakfast appropriately. If I’m going to be eating at an event over lunch, I tend to go light on the breakfast.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Macro-nutrients – mainly fat and protein, that I can add greens and other veggies to as available.
How often do you eat cereal?
I follow Paleo diet and haven’t eat traditional boxed sugar cereal in at least three years.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
The sugar in every cereal, even the healthier ones, gets to be pretty outrageous. I’d love to see more cereals that aren’t loaded with sugar. But I don’t anticipate I would eat them either way – just for a healthier public in general.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
I go through phases where I will eat the same thing for weeks or even months, then get bored of it and change it up. Some of my favorites: yogurt and fruit, cottage cheese and fruit, oatmeal, overnight oats.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Definitely some sort of fruit. I love sweets in the morning, so I eat fruit to satisfy my sweet tooth and prevent myself from giving in and snacking on sugar mid-morning.
How often do you eat cereal?
Never eat it for breakfast. The only time I eat it is for a snack and that is very rare, maybe once every couple months (and that only happens if I am at someone’s house or an event that has cereal because I never buy it).
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
Less sugar and more natural ingredients. I love homemade granola because I actually know what is in them.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
I tend to eat the same thing every day, usually with eggs/protein at the focus. This week I’m eating 100g sweet potato & half a chicken sausage pan sauteed into a hash, with 1 full egg & 3/4 cup egg white scramble, with a 1/4 avocado and some hot sauce. approx 430 cals and keeps me full until lunch.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Protein, low/no sugar
How often do you eat cereal?
Very rarely – sometimes when it’s shark week I’ll get a box of life or some chocolate chex and munch on it as dessert.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
Less sugar, more protein, no almonds (I’m allergic)
Holy cereal, that is seriously my heaven.
I don’t generally eat cereal because I think there are more natural, nutrient dense options like oatmeal, steel cut oats, and eggs and avocado, but I would love to see more gluten-free cereal options!
I usually want a sweet breakfast. It’s usually oatmeal & peanutbutter with a drizzle of honey.
Nutrition would be to start the day healthy, protein and good carbs. I feel like a good start helps make better choices all day.
I choose cereal during warm weather. Summer is more of a cereal season for me, I like the cold and crunch.
I like how many ancient grains are coming out. Less added sugar, more protein.
I rarely eat breakfast cereal and usually do overnight oats. I’d love to see breakfast cereals with more protein, less sugar and less ingredients all together.
How nice of you to represent General Mills at BLEND. The trail mix bar sounds pretty awesome. I’d fill up way too much to run with!
This is awesome! On my honeymoon they had something similar for cereal and every morning I had a big bowl with yogurt! So good!
These are really good questions.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? A combination of what I have at home and what I’m craving.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Something with protein that will fill me up and give me energy to power through my morning.
How often do you eat cereal? Never
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? Less sugar, more nutritional value, more protein. Unfortunately, cereal does not keep me full, so I never eat it.
Read more at http://carrotsncake.com/2015/05/cereal-trail-mix-bar-survey.html#7GvKg7t6fjGEMokj.99
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? I meal prep my breakfast on Sundays for the week after shopping. I am very consistent in that I eat my egg scramble/egg casserole pretty much every day.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Protein/carb/fat ratios; I try to eat a good amount of protein in my breakfast so that I stay full. I try to eat slower digesting carbs so that I do not get hungry an hour after breakfast.
How often do you eat cereal? Not very often. I am more of an oatmeal person, but I do love cereal. My husband will occasionally buy cereal so I will have it as a night time/post workout snack. It is more of a treat than a regular item in our house.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? Limiting the sugar in the cereals, often sugar is so high on the ingredient list. With certain cereals, although I love them (Cinnamon toast crunch, lucky charms) I consider this just eating basically candy, which I do not want to do in the morning.
GOJI BERRY POWDER?! Where on earth can you ever find a gem like that?!
So attending blend sometime.
I think the cereal industry needs to make some major improvements!
I would like to see more cereals without GMOs, less added sugar and sodium, and more fibre, healthy fats, and protein.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
– with a newborn it’s whatever is the fastest – ehich lately is cereal. If my husband is home it’s whatever he makes for me.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
– I like some fiber but not too much. I had a colon issue last year and had to make dietary changes. I like a bit of sweetness but nothing over 6grams. I also prefer lots of protein so I can stay full until he naps and I can make something more filling.
How often do you eat cereal?
Every. Single. Day.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
Right now there’s a giant trend to do berries, nuts or seeds – things I can’t eat much of due to diverticulosis. So I end up with “boring” cereals. Not sure there’s an answer to that issue but I’d like to be able to mix it up while not enraging my colon!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
-I decide what to eat for breakfast by trying to pick a healthy food which will fuel me through part of the morning.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
-The most important fact to me is the ingredient list. I want real, whole ingredients with little sugar.
How often do you eat cereal?
-It usually is rare that I eat cereal, and I normally eat oats, fruit, nut butter, or something of that nature. However, I am looking to get more iron in my diet, so I am starting to eat iron-fortified cereal again.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
-I would love to see breakfast cereals reduce the number and amount of sugars in them. I would also love to see more real ingredients such as whole grains.
This awesome. My dad works with General Mills and lets just say I agree that they are an AMAZING company!
I am an individual that makes the same thing for breakfast most days of the week. Generally including protein, fruit, carbs, and dairy so that I can make it to lunch without getting too hungry!
FunnyāāI actually have cereal trail mix almost every day for breakfast! Kashi Go Lean Crunch + Almonds + raisins or chopped dates. Convenient to pack for work, and fun to munch on with iced coffee at my desk.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
– I’m a savory person all the way! Usually eggs or breakfast salad (it’s a thing)
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
– Protein, some sort of vegetable. Most importantly is the feeling of satiety (which I get from eggs over spinach). I very rarely feel full after eating cereal for breakfast.
How often do you eat cereal?
– Never for breakfast. More often after dinner for a “treat” (with vanilla almond milk, a few raisins and a few almonds – dessert!)
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
– More Brown rice options. Less sugar overall.
That looks like such a fun event! My hubby and I are going to Denver this summer and want to get some hiking in, I even came across the trail you ran before reading your post. Any other good trails that you recommend?
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
I either have ezekiel bread with almond butter or eggs. It needs to keep me full for a few hours. Cereal just doesn’t do that for me, at all…..
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
#1 Protein!! Clean, no/very little sugar, minimally processed
How often do you eat cereal?
Very infrequently.. If i do, it’s plain cheerios if i’m munchy after dinner.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
Realistic serving sizes/facts. Who eats 3/4 cup of cereal?!?!?!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? I try to eat the healthiest breakfast to fuel my workout or keep me satisfied (if not working out) and also what I like.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Protein, healthy carbs, fiber and low sugar
How often do you eat cereal? not much because one bowl doesn’t satisfy me and I will overeat it. Tina has turned me on to Chocolate Chex and it is impossible to stop eating š !
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? more protein, less sugar, natural ingredients
Read more at http://carrotsncake.com/2015/05/cereal-trail-mix-bar-survey.html#Jtyps5vhLIyJXrLS.99
How often do you eat cereal? Once every couple of weeks.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
I would love to see cereals with less sugar and more 100% whole grains. No artificial colors or preservatives or ingredients you can’t pronounce. Especially for cereals specifically marketed towards children, most are way too sweet and have too little nutritional value — setting up generations of people with bad habits at young ages!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? How much time I have, can I eat it in the care while driving if needed.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Sugar, protein, calories under 140 per cup
How often do you eat cereal?
pprox. 3 times a week
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
More healthy choices, I like the new Cheerios + Ancient Grains. (My husband calls it my old cereal.)
-How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
I eat the same thing every day: oats and some kind of fruit cooked in water. Then i stir in yogurt and peanut butter.
-What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Some protein, healthy fat and some carbs since I run a lot.
-How often do you eat cereal?
I never sit down and eat a bowl of cereal, although I love it. I eat it as a snack, usually dry. I like to mix a couple different kinds. Right now since I have kids we always have Cheerios i the house and I usually mix that with Kashi.
-What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
More protein, less sugar, less processing/ingredients.
This was fun – thanks for bringing it to us! I should’ve made more!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
Easy & filling. I usually get oatmeal with fruit, or eggs.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Protein is very important to me when planning breakfast
How often do you eat cereal? Rarely ever as I don’t find them so filling.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
-I make something either on Sundays for the week, or the night before, so there’s always breakfast ready right away. My favorite thing to have is oats with nut butter.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
-Whole grains, either a fruit or veggie, and a protein/fat combo (like nut butter)
How often do you eat cereal?
-Very rarely. I like cereal, but it doesn’t keep me full at all!!!
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
-Less sugar and more whole grains, as well as way less additives.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
Base on what I am in the mood for and what will fill me up and sty with me the longest.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Protein and filling
How often do you eat cereal? very rarely do i eat cold cereal. I like it and it tastes good but I don’t find it filling. I am usually starving an hour after a huge bowl of cereal.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? Less sugar, more protein. No enriched flour.
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
It typically depends on if I’m at work or not, and if I’ve worked out/run beforehand.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
I always like to know macronutrient numbers, and shoot for a good 40/30/30 ratio (sometimes carbs higher than protein, just depends). And of course, all the micronutrient tidbits – vitamins and minerals, sugar vs. fiber, etc.
How often do you eat cereal?
I don’t eat it very often anymore, thanks to my brief stint with a paleoish lifestyle. I’m back on a cereal kick though now!! I usually have it as an evening snack before bed.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
I would like to see less sugar (who wouldn’t?) and more natural, whole ingredients. I have no fear of carbs/bread, but I shoot for things like sprouted wheat, or at least whole, unprocessed grains. Then again, I am totally fine with munching on Apple Cinnamon Cheerios or other, sweeter cereals. It’s all about balance!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
It usually depends on what is in the house – I prefer to eat waffles or muffins that I’ve pre-made, and always a couple of different fruits. Oatmeal or cereal are second choices.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
Gluten free, higher in protein, lower in sugar
How often do you eat cereal?
I usually eat cereal a couple of times a week as an after dinner (in front of the TV) snack. Or as a last resort if there’s nothing in the kitchen for breakfast. I try not to eat just cereal for breakfast though because I’ll get a blood sugar crash shortly after.
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
I would like to see all cereals be GMO-free, use grains other than wheat and be lower in sugar. I am very concerned about the effect of GMOs on the bee population. I only buy Nature’s Path cereal because it is organic and GMO free. I do really like Chex (the chocolate is delicious!) but I find it expensive for a conventional cereal (maybe that’s because it’s not as popular here in Canada?…it’s pretty pricey here)
Yum, that cereal bar looks like fun!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? Whatever I’m in the mood for… sometimes a smoothie, but my go-to is fresh fruit and Greek yogurt topped with either homemade granola or bran flakes w/almonds
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? protein, fiber
How often do you eat cereal? 2-3 times a week (Cheerios or Bran Flakes)
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? less sugar, more protein
I was so sad to miss Blend this year – I’m already looking forward to next year too, I hope to be there!
Here are my answers to your questions…
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast?
there are “staples” I go with and I pick whatever sounds good in the morning
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast?
protein!! that’s the one constant, plus I usually include some fruit for a dose of healthy sweetness
How often do you eat cereal?
not very often, but not because I don’t like it, because it’s hard to find a healthy option that isn’t crazy expensive
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal?
less/no added sugars (or at least more natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, and coconut); no preservatives!!
How do you decide what to eat for breakfast? Usually it’s convenience also mixed with health and whether or not it’s a whole food… usually I go for hard boiled eggs for protein and a piece of fruit for some carbs/easy digestion.
What nutritional facts are important to you at breakfast? Protein and carbs for morning productivity.
How often do you eat cereal? 1-2X/week
What changes would you like to see in breakfast cereal? Less sugar but still maintaining a good taste.
The trail mix bar totally blew me away! General Mills had been telling us about it for months, but I had no idea what to expect. It was awesome! And you did a great job engaging people for the surveys! š