READ THE BACK OF THE BOX!
Everything I know I learned from the backs of cereal boxes.
Yes, it’s true. There are lots of things you can learn from the back of a box. Especially cereal boxes! You see, to win parents over and cause them to change their minds about buying that junk-in-the-box at all, there must be some redeeming value. I raised 4 kids. I speak with experience and authority in this.
Since there is no real redeeming value in cereal, per se, the games, information tidbits, and sugary sweet recipes made with the junk-in-the-box, are put on the back of the box. Voilá! Happy kid, happy parent. Hooked.
As I said, there is little to offer in the form of true nourishment, save the milk poured on it, in a serving of your average cereal. Read it for yourself! Carbs. Sugar. That’s about it. Most breakfast cereals that kids ask for, such as Cap’n Crunch© (no berries), only have 2 grams or less protein and easily 27 carbs along with 12 grams of sugar. Many have more carbs and sugar.
See what I mean? A veritable wealth of health information right on the cereal box! Who knew?
On to the games! Who doesn’t want to open the box, pour the cereal into some other container and proceed to cut the box apart to play a rousing game of….? I’m actually not sure what this game is. Looks like a Chutes and Ladders™ version of find the hidden treasure.
Well, moving along…let’s look at this next box. It is Gluten free, Non-GMO and wholesome. All redeeming features? Hmm. Read the nutrition information on this one too. It’s interesting, but in reality not much different from the previous cereal. (It’s on the side of the box, where other choice data is kept)
But! It has information about Puffins on the back! Did you know they can sit on your breakfast table? Yes, they can. Because they’re only 10" tall.
However, you probably won’t want that, because it will be wet from catching fish underwater, which they can also do. Yum.
I told you so! Reading the back of the box is a wonderful way to gain knowledge! And all this is available just from purchasing breakfast cereal. Think what you could learn from other boxes!
Now, on to the recipes! Honestly, the recipes are the only real reason I buy cereal. (mostly, see addiction confession below) And this recipe alone says it all: Muddy Buddies™! Well, maybe one more: Rice Krispie™treats! And everyone loves: (insert favorite flavor here) Chex Mix™! Who could live through a year without these?
Now, please don’t get me wrong, I’m as addicted to cereal as the rest of you. I eat Sugar Smacks™ and Fruit Loops™right out of the box way more often than I want to admit! That’s why I thought I should lead you through the wonderful opportunities, available on the back of boxes, that I’ve come to cherish.
So the next time you stand on that overwhelming and intimidating aisle, trying to decide which box full of sweet, crunchy goodness (well, maybe not so good) and yumminess you will choose, remember — while you’re crunching you can also Read The Back Of The Box!
