Cayce Diet: Best Cereals For A Healthy Breakfast

The Cayce diet plan, also known as the Edgar Cayce diet, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance by eating mostly alkaline-forming foods. According to Cayce, 80% of the daily diet should comprise alkaline-forming foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts, while acid-forming foods like meats, grains, cereals, and dairy should make up the remaining 20%. While cereals are included in the list of acid-forming foods, Cayce suggested that a typical day's menu could include either citrus fruit or cooked or dry cereal for breakfast. However, it is important to note that Cayce recommended avoiding certain food combinations that may be difficult to digest, and specifically advised against consuming cereals with citrus fruit or juice.

The Cayce diet recommends a breakfast of either citrus fruit or cereal

The Cayce diet, based on the recommendations of Edgar Cayce, is a holistic approach to health and nutrition. It emphasises the importance of a proper acid-alkaline balance in the body, achieved through eating mostly alkaline-forming foods. This diet is in line with what is considered the Mediterranean Diet today, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal produce.

Alkaline-forming foods include most vegetables (except dried beans, lentils, asparagus tips, and garbanzos), most fresh fruits (except cranberries, plums, olives, prunes, and blueberries), and some nuts (almonds, chestnuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts). Acid-forming foods include meats, grains, cereals, bakery products, dairy, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts.

Cayce's recommendations suggest that a typical day's menu might look like this:

Breakfast: Either citrus fruit or cooked or dry cereal.

Lunch: Raw vegetable salad with dressing or fruit salad.

Dinner: Steamed vegetables served with fish, poultry, or lamb.

It is important to note that, according to Cayce, even the most nutritious foods can be detrimental if eaten while in a negative frame of mind. He advised against eating when angry, worried, or extremely tired.

Cereals are acid-forming foods and should make up 20% of the daily diet

The Cayce diet plan, also known as the Basic Cayce Diet, is a Mediterranean diet that emphasises the importance of eating whole, preservative-free foods. It recommends that 80% of the daily diet should comprise alkaline-forming foods, while the remaining 20% should be acid-forming foods. This means that cereals, which are acid-forming foods, should make up 20% of the daily diet.

Cereals are considered acid-forming foods because they are grains. Other acid-forming foods include meats, starches, sweets, and most dairy products. On the other hand, most vegetables and fruits are alkaline-forming.

The Cayce diet recommends eating whole grains instead of processed ones, more fish, fowl, and lamb than red meat, and more leafy green vegetables than starchy ones. It also suggests having either citrus fruit or cooked or dry cereal for breakfast.

In addition to the types of food consumed, the Cayce diet also emphasises the importance of food combinations and emotional attitudes. Certain food combinations are to be avoided as they may be difficult to digest and may cause problems in the digestive system. For example, one should not consume cereals and citrus fruits or juices at the same meal. It is also recommended to avoid eating when one is angry, worried, or extremely tired, as even the most nutritious foods can turn to poison in the system if eaten in a negative frame of mind.

Cereals should be whole grain and low in added sugars

The Cayce diet recommends eating whole, preservative-free foods, with an emphasis on whole grains rather than processed grains. This means that cereals that are ok in the Cayce diet plan should be whole grain and low in added sugars.

Cereals that are made from whole grains tend to be higher in fiber than more processed carbohydrates. A review by the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that the fiber and bran in whole-grain cereals lower plaque buildup in the arteries and improve bowel function.

When choosing a cereal, it is recommended to look for those with at least 3 grams of fiber (5 grams or more is considered high fiber), less than 10 grams of sugar, and less than 200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Cheerios, for example, are a good option as they contain a good amount of fiber and are low in sugar. Other good options include Purely Elizabeth Vanilla Blueberry Almond Superfood Cereal, One Degree Organics Sprouted Oat Quinoa Cacao Granola, and Kashi Go.

It is important to note that the Cayce diet also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance by eating mostly alkaline-forming foods. While cereals are considered acid-forming foods and should only make up 20% of the daily diet, choosing whole-grain, low-added-sugar options can help ensure you are still getting the recommended daily intake of fiber.

Avoid eating cereals with citrus fruit or juice

The Cayce diet plan emphasizes the importance of eating whole, preservative-free foods, with a focus on whole grains, fish, fowl, and lamb, as well as leafy green vegetables. It recommends an 80:20 ratio of alkaline-producing to acid-producing foods, with most vegetables and fruits being alkaline-producing, and most grains, starches, meats, sweets, and no-nos being acid-producing.

The Cayce diet plan also provides a list of food combinations to avoid, as they may be difficult to digest and cause problems in the digestive system. One of the combinations to avoid is cereals with citrus fruit or juice.

Digestive Issues

Combining cereals with citrus fruit or juice can lead to digestive problems. Certain food combinations can be challenging for the body to break down and absorb efficiently. Cereals are already high in acid-forming properties, and when combined with citrus fruits or juices, which are also acidic, it can further increase the acid load on the body. This may disrupt the acid-alkaline balance that the Cayce diet aims to achieve.

Nutrient Absorption

Citrus fruits and juices are rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient. However, when combined with cereals, the absorption of vitamin C may be hindered. The phytic acid present in cereals can bind to the vitamin C, reducing its bioavailability. This means that the body may not be able to fully utilize the vitamin C present in the citrus fruit or juice.

Blood Sugar Impact

Citrus fruits and juices contain natural sugars, and when combined with cereals, which are also high in carbohydrates, it can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This is especially true if the cereal contains added sugars. While cereals provide a slow release of energy due to their complex carbohydrates, the simple sugars in citrus fruits can cause a quicker spike in blood glucose levels. For those with blood sugar management concerns or diabetes, this combination may need to be avoided or carefully monitored.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when combining cereals with citrus fruits or juices. The high acid content of citrus can irritate the stomach lining, especially when consumed in close proximity to cereal. This may lead to symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to acid reflux, it may be advisable to avoid this combination.

Altered Flavor and Texture

Combining cereals with citrus fruit or juice can also alter the flavor and texture of the cereal. The acidity of the citrus can break down the cereal, making it soggy and less appealing to eat. Additionally, the strong flavor of citrus can overpower the taste of the cereal, detracting from the overall dining experience. For those who enjoy the taste and texture of cereal, combining it with citrus may not be the best option.

Cereals can be a good option for weight loss

While cereals are often associated with high sugar content and refined carbohydrates, there are several cereal options that can be beneficial for weight loss. The key lies in choosing the right type of cereal and incorporating it into your diet in a balanced way.

Firstly, it is important to understand the role of diet and nutrition in weight loss. According to Edgar Cayce, a well-known advocate of holistic health, a diet comprising mostly alkaline-forming foods is ideal. Alkaline-forming foods include most vegetables and fruits, while acid-forming foods, which should be consumed in lesser quantities, include meats, grains, starches, sweets, and most importantly, cereals.

So, how can cereals be a part of a weight loss journey? The answer lies in making informed choices. When selecting a cereal, it is crucial to opt for those that are mostly or completely made from whole grains. Examples of such cereals include Shredded Wheat, Bran Flakes, Grape-Nuts Original, Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Crunchy Cereal, and Kashi 7 Whole Grain Nuggets Cereal. These cereals provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full for longer, thus reducing the urge to snack between meals.

In addition to fiber, protein-rich cereals can also support weight loss by slowing digestion and curbing your appetite. Cereals like Bob's Red Mill Protein Oats, Kashi GO Cold Breakfast Cereal, and Three Wishes Grain-Free Cocoa Cereal provide a good balance of protein and fiber.

Another important consideration when choosing a cereal is its sugar content. Excessive added sugar can hinder weight loss and contribute to various health issues. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for cereals with minimal or no added sugar, such as Fiber One Original Bran Cereal, Catalina Crunch Cinnamon Toast Keto Cereal, and Uncle Sam Original.

While cereals can be a part of a weight loss plan, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to combine them with the right types of milk. Sticking to the recommended serving sizes ensures you don't consume too many calories. Additionally, using skim or low-fat milk, or alternative milk options like almond or soy milk, can further support your weight loss goals by reducing the overall fat intake.

In conclusion, cereals can be a good option for weight loss when chosen wisely and consumed in moderation. By selecting whole grain cereals with high fiber and protein content and low added sugar, you can enjoy a convenient and tasty breakfast option that supports your weight loss journey.

Frequently asked questions