Busy life styles and work schedules are to blame for unhealthy breakfast habits in China, according to a survey published by the Chinese Resident Meal Guide. One in five Chinese doesn't eat breakfast at all and these are most likely to be men or young people. Those under 25 are also more likely to eat on the run, on their way to work or school.

Even for those who do have breakfast, traditional Chinese choices could be doing more harm than good, said professor Cai Meiqing, a senior nutrition expert from the Nutrition Department of Shanghai Jiaotong University. Common choices like soybean milk, deep fried dough sticks, pan fried buns, leek and onion pancake are high in fact and low on nutrients. Whole grains should be introduced into a healthy Chinese diet, according to the backers of a UK wheat breakfast cereal launched in Beijing recently.

"We need to start looking at low fat, low salt and high fiber cereal from the West as healthy breakfast options. They'll give you energy and some may help keep your heart healthy," said Professor Cai, at the launch of the Weetabix range in Beijing this month. The entire range from UK is made from wholegrains, which the company said have been proven in research to help maintain a healthy heart and keep the digestive system healthy.

Weetabix is made from wholegrains, is high in fiber, low in fat, calories and salt, good for the heart, and has a great source of energy and keeps you full up until lunchtime, says the company.

Weetabix is always considered to be a popular way to start the day in UK.

(China Daily 09/27/2007 page8)