April 2002 (Newstream) -- Each spring, people start thinking about shaking off the winter blahs and shaping up for the summer season. While dietary changes have a direct effect on a person's outer appearance, making smart food choices also greatly impacts heart health. Honey Nut Cheerios is raising awareness about heart-healthy eating - with simple, tasty steps to help lower cholesterol.

Through the "The Buzz on Cholesterol," its national survey about health, nutrition and food choices, Honey Nut Cheerios found that 72 percent of respondents say they would be more likely to purchase a food product that is proven to help lower cholesterol, but many don't know exactly which foods fit the bill. Yet, many of the foods that help lower cholesterol are tasty, convenient and familiar. With Honey Nut Cheerios, people can start the day off on the right foot, since it helps lower cholesterol, and also offers the same honey sweet taste everybody loves.

While many consumers know they should make changes in their diet to help lower their cholesterol, knowledge doesn't always lead to action. Consumers say they know that certain foods can have a positive impact on their heart health, but most simply aren't incorporating them into their diet. For example, while 86 percent of survey respondents recognize that some cereals can help lower cholesterol and cite breakfast as an essential meal, only one-third actually eat breakfast more than three days per week.

Making lifestyle changes seemed to be the biggest barrier to lowering cholesterol levels. When asked what would make lowering cholesterol easier, respondent answers included everything from "a magic pill" to "having a personal chef." "Adding heart-healthy foods, as suggested by the American Heart Association, can have positive effects on your heart health over time, and it's easier than people think," says Liz Nordlie, Honey Nut Cheerios brand manager.

"You don't have to suddenly change everything about the way you eat. In fact, many great tasting foods that can help lower your cholesterol are already in most people's cupboards, such as Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, which has been given the American Heart Association 'Heart Check' because it's a heart-healthy food."

As part of a low-fat diet, 3 grams of soluble fiber daily can help reduce blood cholesterol; Honey Nut Cheerios provides .75 grams of soluble fiber in a 1-cup serving.

You Are What You Eat

An important step toward decreasing cholesterol begins with paying attention to the foods you eat.

• Start the day with a bowl of your favorite whole grain oat cereal. Honey Nut Cheerios is a great option for those who don't want to sacrifice great taste for health benefits. If you are in a rush, fill a small bag with cereal and take it to go!
• For lunch, try your sandwich on rye bread. Not only will this add flavor to your meal, rye bread provides heart-smart soluble fiber.
• Dress up your salad with something other than salad oil. Try adding kidney or garbanzo beans.
• For a quick snack, keep apples, baby carrots, pears and oranges on hand.
• Do your veggie sticks need pizzazz? Try them with hummus! Hummus is made from garbanzo beans and makes a great dipping alternative.
• Substitute soy nuts for other salty snacks.
• Use your favorite whole grain cereal to create your own trail mix. Dried fruit makes a great addition!
• Choose skim and other low-fat dairy products, or low-fat soymilk.

For more information on Honey Nut Cheerios, visit www.cheerios.com.

Editor's Note: The "Buzz on Cholesterol" survey was conducted on behalf of General Mills by Hunt Marketing/TMP Direct. 600 U.S. adults over the age of 35 responded. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 4%.

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Produced for General Mills, Inc.

Contacts:

Liv Lane
General Mills
Tel: 763/764-4830
liv.lane@genmills.com

Grete Krohn
Carmichael Lynch Spong
Tel: 612/375-8534
gkrohn@clynch.com

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