The calories in granola vary widely. The calories in low-fat granola come mostly from whole grains and sweeteners. Traditional granola and granola bars, however, can contain added fat, and may be much higher in calories.

Whole-grain breakfast cereals often derive high calorie counts from additions of sugar, honey, dried fruit and nuts. In searching for low-calorie, healthy cereals, get back to basics, such as wheat and corn flakes, puffed rice and unsweetened cooked cereals.

A healthy breakfast can improve your energy levels and help you control your weight. Wheat Chex cereal from General Mills is a whole-grain, low-fat, ready-to-eat breakfast cereal that can help you prepare breakfast quickly. Eat it with milk and some fruit for a balanced breakfast. You can also have it as a dry snack.

Nutrients that are represented best in a bowl of cereal include fiber, protein, zinc, iron and B-vitamins, reports Dr. William Sears. Eating a nutritious breakfast will provide you with energy to last you throughout the morning and can help control weight, explains to the Mayo Clinic.

Rice Krispies cereal, manufactured by Kellogg’s, is a rice-based, low-sugar alternative to many of the higher-sugar kid’s cereals available. Rice Krispies is Kosher Parve-certified. For families with food sensitivities and allergies, dry Rice Krispies cereal contains no wheat, soy, milk or nuts.

Rice cereal is the first food of choice for many infants--it is easy to digest, gluten-free and rarely causes allergic reactions or sensitivities. Some infants may benefit from an early introduction to solid food due to a variety of factors.