The term TOTAL ALTERNATIVE can be broken down into three crossword solutions: CHEERIOS (8 letters), WHEATIES (8 letters), and SPECIALK (8 letters). CHEERIOS is a brand of breakfast cereal made from whole grain oats, which was first introduced in 1941. WHEATIES is another brand of breakfast cereal made from wheat, which was first introduced in 1924. SPECIALK is a brand of breakfast cereal made from rice and wheat, which was first introduced in 1956. All three of these cereals are marketed as healthy alternatives to traditional breakfast cereals.