What Fills You Up?

October is certainly a time for reflection.  The changing seasons makes us think about time that has passed, change, and moving forward (even when our clocks are falling back!)  With Thanksgiving this month as well, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on all that we’re thankful for, and all that brings us joy.

With back to school in full swing, I’ve been writing a lot about staying organized in the mornings, the importance of healthy breakfasts and lunches, and sharing recipes to fill our tummies at the end of a long day.

According to the Special K Protein What Fills You Up Survey,[i] recently conducted by Angus Reid Forum, a remarkable 94 per cent of women know that eating protein in the morning will help satisfy their hunger. However, nearly one in three admit their breakfast doesn’t provide them with enough of this essential nutrient.  I know that I definitely don’t get enough protein in my morning (shhh…many times I skip breakfast entirely!)

To provide Canadian women with a protein punch, Kellogg’s has introduced NEW Special K Protein Cereal with 10 grams of protein and nine grams of fibre to help satisfy hunger and keep Canadians filled up.  I thought this was a great idea.  I know I make poor choices for lunch because after a skipped-breakfast I’m ravenous!  If I can have a healthy, satisfying, protein packed breakfast I can start my day off right.  It’s interesting – as moms we’re so concerned about ensuring our children are eating healthy, yet we neglect to do the same for ourselves.  I’m with you.

Satisfaction also goes beyond just eating food. It’s about being fulfilled, feeling energized and, for 63 per cent of Canadian women, spending quality time with family. (Interestingly, men do not place as much emphasis on family, with only 48 per cent saying that time with their loved ones is what fills them up — a 15 per cent difference.)

The Special K Protein What Fills You Up Survey also revealed that Canadian women love to live an active life. Keeping busy (53 per cent), taking time for personal interests or hobbies (43 per cent) and exercising (38 per cent) are among the leading ways women find fulfillment emotionally and spiritually.

“With Canadian women putting so much value on staying active, a satisfying, protein-rich breakfast that will keep them full is a smart way to start the day and avoid temptation. It really is the secret to willpower so they can stay on track,” says Natasha Millar, Director, Adult Brands, Kellogg Canada Inc. “New Kellogg’s Special K Protein Cereal is just the latest in a wide range of Special K offerings designed to support women in their weight management journey.”

One in four women also confessed that if their breakfast doesn’t fill them up, they find themselves more tempted by cravings throughout the morning. And, when the urge to snack arises, one third admit lack of willpower causes them to stray from their healthy habits. But it is convenience that is the biggest culprit (53 per cent) leading to less healthy food choices.

Have you seen the Special K Protein Cereal commercials with the little girl selling donuts and the woman being able to say no?   It’s great marketing to explain how Kellogg’s Special K Protein Cereal keeps you filled up!

To find out first-hand what is most important to women, Kellogg’s Special K Protein Cereal took to the streets and asked, “What fills you up?” Family once again topped the list, and giving back, travel and work are also important.  Take a peek at the video this Thanksgiving weekend and see what fills up Canadian women like you!

Happy Thanksgiving, readers.  YOU fill me up.

[i]  Source: Vision Critical Omnibus poll conducted on September 6, 2013 on behalf of Special K Protein.  For this survey, Vision Critical, conducted an online survey of 1,004 randomly selected Canadians. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure samples are representative of the Canadian adult population.