Back before the turn of the century, I put aside Frosted Flakes for a healthier alternative – Kellogg’s Special-K. I was eating the plain variety, no Red Berries, the fruit with questionable parentage and certainly not the Pumpkin Spice variety that shows up in August and is practically being given away by mid-October.

I stopped eating Special-K after breaking a tooth on two separate occasions on some element in the box that probably wasn’t rice. Now I find out that my healthy choice wasn’t healthy at all.

I could have had Frosted Flakes!

This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner, or if you would like to join in on the fun, you can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other participants.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

82 responses to “Not So Special – #1LinerWeds”

  1. theartblogger54 Avatar
    theartblogger54

    It would be easier to just eat a bowl of sugar for breakfast Dan – cut out the middleman altogether. At least you’ll know exactly how much of the stuff you’re eating. Also, there’ll be no added salt so it will be so much healthier option too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you’re right. It would have been different if I had enjoyed eating that stuff. A little later, I’ll have sourdough toast and an apple.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Just wait a couple of weeks or months, and someone will come out with a new report that says Frosted Flakes are good for the body and the soul. :-)

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That wouldn’t surprise me at all, Judy. Just look at what they’ve said about eggs.

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  3. I used to love Frosted Flakes, haven’t had them in years. I’ve come to the conclusion that any cereal that tastes good is unhealthy. Sad, but true.
    Nice fall color… and bunnies of course.
    👍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. But Special-K does NOT taste good. I was sure it had to be healthy. I should go out with the bunnies and eat weeds.

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      1. That will result in better pictures, so yes. Please do.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Thanks for the laugh and for the look at those beautiful trees. As always, I favor the photo with the trestle even though it is almost hidden, and also I love the photo of that little park. As for cereals, if they don’t have sugar, they don’t count as breakfast. Reading labels is hazardous to our health.

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    1. That’s a great way to classify cereals! When I used to get to the bottom of the bag, where all the crumbs and much-making bits had settled, I’d toss the Special-K in the yard. Crows loved that stuff! They would show up in large numbers (I think that’s a murder) and gobble it up. I wonder if I should worry about them reading this?

      The trestle is almost visible :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, it’s the “almost” of the trestle that makes it such a good photo, I think. As for the crows, I’d worry about eating anything they eat — it really isn’t much of a compliment to Special-K. “Breakfast of Champions” has a better ring to it than “Breakfast of Crows.” With apologies to Wheaties.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. I too have been very surprised once I finally read the ‘nutrition facts’ panel on cereal boxes.
    Love the photos, especially being as I see no signs of autumn here in FL. It is so sad as to why your flag is at half-staff. This is not the country I grew up in (or am I just being pessimistic this morning?)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t pay a lot of attention to those listings, GP. I guess I should. As for the shooting, I think it is different. From what little they’ve said, it looks like the shooter was angry for having been thrown out of a bar. He was planning to go back there, when someone call 911. We didn’t grow up in an era when so many people were choosing to settle disputes with weapons.

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  6. Dan, I avoid 99.99% processed foods. Breakfast cereals are some of the worst sources of sugar out there. It’s shocking especially when you know how to read the “hidden” sugars. Your images are gorgeous and brought solace to my heart, and a longing to again get out there amongst the fall colors. I just cannot get enough this year! I haven’t seen you in a while ….. WP and I have been having issues and I’ve had to work extra hard to get to my followers. Have a great day!!! My Autumn series has begun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Amy, and thanks for stopping by. I haven’t been getting notifications from your blog. I did stop in once recently, but WP rejected my comment “Your comment cannot be processed.” I’ll swing by and resubscribe. I look forward to your walks in the woods each year.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. SAME thing happening to me, Dan, which is so so frustrating! I’ll check to see if I am still following you. I don’t know what WP is doing but I feel honestly frustrated. Too many issues happening at the same time.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. I chose Special K as my cereal about 4 years ago, in particular, the one with pecans. About an hour and a half ago, I changed to Special K Protein, which isn’t a bunch of flakes and, instead, looks a lot like Captain Crunch. It isn’t as sweet, which is fine with me, but hopefully will provide more energy for me. On colder days, however, I go for the oatmeal. Yes, I might be a sugar junky.

    Have you changed to a cereal that is more healthy?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I used to love Captain Crunch! My normal breakfast for the past few years has been a few slices of sourdough toast with strawberry jam. I know, the jam is probably more sugar than fruit, but I like it. I follow that with whatever fruit is/should be in season. That varies from oranges to peaches to apples. I stick with things grown locally or in the US. Right now, the oranges in the store are from Portugal, but the apples are locally grown. I’ve never been a fan of oatmeal. If I’m having a hot breakfast, it usually has a couple eggs in it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Never have liked eggs except to make French Toast. My mother-in-law has toast with peanut butter on it. Good protein source.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. If you really like cereal, look into Magic Spoon. Especially the PB flavor. Or a PB and chocolate combo.

    The trees are lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for that recommendation. Staci. We are seeing some nice color this year. It’s a surprise, we had a long drought during a summer heat wave.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. The trees are just starting to turn down here. They never seem as vibrant to me as the Pennsylvania leaves, but I know I’m probably biased.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I love something sweet for breakfast–donuts, muffins, bread. I make all my own, but, yeah, sugar… A friend at work loved when I brought in food but would always redo the recipes she’d request from me and cut out most of the sugar. What in the heck????!!
    That ‘boom!’ photo is a ‘WOW!’ for me. What a beauty, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My wife baked a lot when our daughter was still living with us. She always made enough for me to take some into work. We had flex-time, and my boss started later than most, and the goodies were almost always gone. She used to pack him a separate small plate. One day, he asked me to tell her he didn’t want her to do that as he was getting fat (from the three cookies she sent in once a week). Another executive took the plate and sent my wife a think you. He got a special plate until he retired.

      Making your recipe without sugar????

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A special plate! What a wonderful thing that must have been. I know–no sugar. Sheer craziness.

        Liked by 1 person

  10. And besides… they’re gareea… well you know. I’m not a cereal maniac as an adult and prefer my own homemade granola, but after 19 hours of labor with my first child I could have gnawed off my own fingers. They brought me a huge breakfast, complete with Frosted Flakes. I will be a forever fan but they need a just ripe banana and very little milk. No soggy flakes for me. I don’t eat them often but now and then I get a yen. Down here they are Zucaritas. I guess Tony is Antonio. 🤷‍♀️I mean… 4 added sugars? Are you planning on eating the whole box in one sitting? It occurs to me that consumers place more faith in the findings of invisible nutritionists more than renowned scientists. 🤔

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I used to see Frosted Flakes (the little boxes) at light breakfasts while traveling. I would always take a pack. You’re right though, better with a banana. Maybe I could tell my wife I’m eating Zucaritas for breakfast.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You could! I promise they aren’t as sweet. 😉I live all your colorful tree shots Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. If you are wearing your seat belt it is okay to read the nutrition information. The addition of the crash helmet can actually protect you during the ingestion process. That is as long as you do not consume the same product for the next 300 meals. Good pics Dan !

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Good advice, John. I’ve set the cereal bowl aside for toast and fruit (if I can find something interesting).

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Love the Fall color. I mix assorted brands of granola for my cold cereal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Sherry. That’s a good approach to breakfast.

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  13. The great part about being over 80 is no longer caring about sugar or fat content. Frosted flakes indeed. I believe I could start eating them now and conk long before the sugar got me. Lovely photos, Dan

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    1. I have to love your attitude, John. I don’t worry too much about ingredients, but I’m glad to have a reason not to buy another box of Special-K. I’m glad you liked the photos, I’ll be sharing them for a while but I’ll try not to overdo it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I remember trying Special K a long time ago. I had a bowl and then snuck the box out in the trash. (Yup it wasn’t my idea to eat them)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Haha – good move, John

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Thanks, Dan. It is right up there with red sweatshirt in the white laundry.

            Liked by 1 person

  14. Those autumn leaves are just so beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like them, Damyanti

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  15. Broke a tooth on something in cereal! Bushwa! Yes, I feel better about my fondness for Frosted Flakes with banana slices. LOL. The trees are splendid, Dan. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Twice! Actually, what I broke was a filling, but I still ended up having to visit a dentist. Frosted Flakes with banana slices sounds very good to me. We are enjoying what I think will be our peak color. Hugs

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  16. Back before the turn of which century?

    Snarf… :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It does feel weird using that expression, but…

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  17. Talking about sugary cereals, the last time I bought cereal, they had regular Cheerios and Trix on sale for $2 each, but you had to buy both. Oh my… LOL Cheerios are still on the pantry shelf, and the Trix are long gone! LOL I love oatmeal with raisins–any flavor of the instant oatmeal works. And thanks once more for those gorgeous trees and the cute as all get out bunnies. So sorry about your slain police officers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do like Cheerios, but I would definitely eat the Trix first. I’m glad your enjoying the trees. I appreciate your thoughts for the slain officers.

      Like

  18. I ate raisin bran all the time growing up, but that eventually gave way to plain Cheerios or Wheaties, then to whatever was low sugar, gluten-free and didn’t taste like cardboard. I still like my plain Cheerios, tho.

    Lovely fall color in your neck of the woods, Dan. The wind this week is trying to strip the last of our color away, but still some greens and yellows to keep things a little cheery.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I would have thought raisin bran would be high on the healthy list. I do like Cheerios. I might give them a try if I need to go back to cereal. We’ve had some severe storms beating up these trees, but we have a lot of green trees left. this week might be the best for color though.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. The criteria for “healthy” changes every year. Actually it changes practically daily. Love the pictures. Particularly like the dandelion picture, that’s brilliant!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They do keep changing the rules, Pam. I’m eating toast and strawberry jam these days (plus the occasional bacon and eggs breakfast). I am glad you like the pictures.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Corn Flakes aren’t healthy?!! The other cereals I can understand, but corn flakes? I cannot wrap my head around that, another childhood illusion of good health shattered.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The list cracked my sense of healthy breakfast, Ally. Bacon and eggs don’t seem as bad anymore.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. I imagine there are a lot of things we used to eat, thinking they were healthy… or at least not bad for us. As far as cereal goes, I figure that if I like it, it’s probably not GURRR-ATE!

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    1. Haha – that made me laugh, Janis. The worst part of this report is that I never really liked Special-K, it was the best of what I thought were the healthy choices.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. I eat plain Cheerios and have for years. However, as a kid, it was common practice to add sugar from our sugar bowl, even with the already sweetened cereals. Dan, with these cereals I don’t think you need worry about bacon!

    LOVE the shot of the dandelion. It’s fabulous. And your “little red maple”! The trees in the fog is exceptional. You really captured fall in all its beauty with today’s gallery.

    So sad about those police officers. The officer who survived will have survivors guilt no doubt. Old Glory must be sad to be at half mast so often. In the 50’s disputes/misunderstandings weren’t settled with guns the way they are today.
    Ginger

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I remember adding sugar to Frosted Flakes, Ginger ;-) I don’t have those bacon and egg breakfasts very often, and I’m never going to worry about them again. I lost track of what the “experts” think about eggs.

      I’m glad you like the photos. I could fill the gallery with colorful trees, but I am trying to mix it up a bit.

      Getting thrown out of a bar didn’t used to end in death. Several families have been damaged by a senseless act. I’m glad they lowered the flag, but I am sad to see it there so often.

      Like

  23. I like that foggy photo. Good reminder that what some advertise as a healthy choice may not be as healthy as one expects it to be.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like that photo, Frank. Yeah, I guess you have to research and use your own judgement.

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  24. There’s always good ole Shredded Wheat. Love the foggy trees picture – really nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My maternal grandmother fed me Shredded Wheat when I visited her. Not a fan/

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  25. Love the autumn leaves, Dan. I got a good laugh from this post. Trying to find healthy cereal that also tastes good is hard. Cheerios are decent, Raisin Bran has lots of fiber but also lots of sugar, most cereals have lots of sugar and low fiber, rice cereals have no fiber at all. Sigh

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  26. Oh, those autumn colors! They seem so much brighter in New England. The humidity of the Ohio River Valley often mutes that vibrancy.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Laughing, Dan! Such a revelation! Sugar is in so many cereals. My kids ate Captain Crunch! Yikes! And what about the organic cereals with syrup of this fruit and that? You know, Old Fashioned oatmeal cooked in the microwave is perfect. No sugar, and you can put fresh fruit on top. Reading labels has been my thing to stay healthy another 10 or more years. 📚🎶 Christine

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I certainly wish you luck, Christine. I loved Captain Crunch! These days, I’m having toast and fruit.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Special K was my favorite as a kid. Now I don’t eat boxed cereal . No particular reason . I got no broken teeth along the way . Thanks , Mom !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – I don’t eat boxed cereal now, either.

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  29. David makes oatmeal with fruit and walnuts every morning. Sometimes I like cold cereal as a snack. Regular cheerios don’t have a lot of sugar. I like that orange/yellow tree surrounded by fog. Cheering for the dandelion.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m just not a fan of oatmeal. I wish I liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m sorry you’re not a fan of oatmeal. It has an unusual texture. Length of cooking time makes a big difference. David adds all kinds of fruit, walnuts, and now dates. He says he likes a little oatmeal with my fruit.

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        1. I like David’s approach.

          Liked by 1 person

  30. All that sodium and sugar ….
    A good enough reason not to eat that healthy cereal!! But to break two teeth good grief!!

    I do love those photos Dan the trees , the wildlife, the wonderful colour and of course your sad flag. I am sorry for your police department’s loss. 💜🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow. I guess “healthy” is more a marketing thing in this case. Fortunately, I’ve moved on to simpler breakfasts. I am sad to see our flag lowered so many times as a result of senseless violence.

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      1. Yes it’s desperately sad isn’t it. I believe all violence is senseless 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

  31. I’m a cereal gal for breakfast. Regular Cheerios are my favorite, and also Raisin Bran. What a bummer that it’s not as healthy as I thought. Sigh! Beautiful photos, Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If I go back to cereal, it will be Cheerios

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  32. I love cold cereal. I only eat it for dinner or dessert. We’re on a Basic 4 kick, cause we cycle like that. I haven’t had any since August, but it’s there. The bad-for-us cereals are the best, because they taste like Saturday morning.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That is so true. I’d have been better off eating with Tony 😊

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