The Uninvited Breakfast Guest: Chlormequat

Have you ever sat down to breakfast and felt like you're not alone? No, it's not the early morning grogginess or the lingering dreams from last night. According to a startling study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an uninvited guest named Chlormequat has been crashing breakfast tables across the U.S. faster than you can say "pass the salt."

Now, before you glance suspiciously at your granola, let's talk about this Chlormequat fellow. Found in 80% of people tested from 2017 to 2023, Chlormequat could well be the most persistent cereal stalker of our time. It's a plant growth regulator, which sounds kind of like a self-help guru for plants, but unfortunately, it's not making your wheat any wiser or your oats more enlightened.

You might be wondering, "How did Chlormequat even get on my guest list?" Well, it seems this chemical has a knack for sneaking onto farms and into some of the conventional crops that make their way into our breakfast foods. It's a bit like that one relative who shows up unannounced and ends up staying way longer than anyone wants.

But don't let Chlormequat rain on your breakfast parade! There are plenty of ways to kick this gatecrasher out and start your day on a fresh and chemical-free note. Here are some delectable breakfast alternatives that are not only Chlormequat-free but also so delicious they'll make your taste buds do the cha-cha:

1. The Egg-cellent Adventure: Eggs are the versatile heroes of the breakfast world. Scramble them, poach them, or if you're feeling fancy, whip up an omelet. Toss in some spinach for a green power boost, and you've got a meal fit for a (health-conscious) king or queen.

2. Fruit Fiesta: Imagine a bowl filled with vibrant berries, juicy slices of mango, and a banana cut into smiley faces (because why not?). Fruit is nature's candy, and it's all the sweet you need to start your day off right.

3. Yo-Good Yogurt: Greek, Icelandic, or good ol' regular - yogurt's your creamy, dreamy ticket to a happy belly. Top it with some homemade granola for crunch, a drizzle of honey for sweetness, and a sprinkle of chia seeds for good measure.

So, the next time you set the table for breakfast, make sure it's Chlormequat that's left standing awkwardly outside the window, looking in while you enjoy a wholesome, chemical-free morning feast. And remember, the only thing we want to be "growing" at breakfast is our satisfaction and health – not our intake of pesky chemicals!