My Favorite Healthy Granola Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy version of granola? ›

Whole Grains

The first ingredient on the label of any granola you buy should be a whole grain. Normally, it will be rolled oats, but any type of whole grain is healthy, including spelt, quinoa, millet, and buckwheat. Seeking out granola with whole grains ensures your choice includes plenty of fiber and protein.

Often touted as health food, many packaged granolas contain so much fat, sugar, and calories that you might as well eat a candy bar. On the other hand, when enjoyed in moderation, healthy homemade granola is an excellent source of fiber, iron, healthy fat, and protein.

Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.

For a healthy snack, Sass recommends pairing 1/3 cup or less of granola with almond milk, or eating it with fresh berries alongside a protein such as grass-fed organic Greek yogurt or eggs.

High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight. Dried fruit and nuts also contain antioxidants, like vitamin E, which can lower inflammation in the body.

Muesli is a better choice for people looking for low-sugar cereals or people with diabetes. Both are healthy, but consider granola if you want your cereal with a dash of sweetness from honey, chocolate or maple syrup.

Granola may prompt weight gain if eaten in excess, as it can be high in calories from added fats and sugars. What's more, sugar is linked to chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Yes. "Granola does contain important nutrients, and if you enjoy it, eating some every day is probably fine as part of a balanced diet," says Harris-Pincus.

Is Homemade Granola Cheaper? Initially, you'll have to spend more money on homemade granola than store-bought. However, over the long run (depending on your recipe) you'll most likely spend less on making your own granola.

So, is granola good for losing weight? Yes, it can aid in weight loss. However, you need to control your portion size to make sure you get all the nutrients, and it keeps you full for a longer time. Nonetheless, read and select the ingredients and contents of any cereals you eat carefully.

Why is granola so high in calories? ›

Granola is also calorie dense – some contain a little more than 300 calories per cup, but others can pack up to 600 calories per cup, from added oils, coconut, chocolate and added sugars including evaporated cane juice, honey, maple syrup, molasses, cane sugar and brown rice syrup.

Nuts and seeds can be a great grain-free substitute for oatmeal if you're following a paleo diet. In addition to being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein, foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pecans are all high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ).

The healthiest breakfast foods include a protein, healthy fat and source of carbohydrates, according to Smolen. For a healthy breakfast, consider eating foods like oatmeal with nut butter, avocado toast with an egg, chia seed pudding or a greek yogurt parfait with nuts and berries.

Granola is a healthy food because of its simple ingredients. The oats provide fiber to keep you regular, while the nuts and seeds provide protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. For the healthiest combination, stick to 6 to 8 ounces of yogurt topped with the recommended serving of granola.

Source of nutrients: Special K cereal is a good source of vitamins A and D and an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and vitamins B12 and B6, and can be consumed as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Healthy granola contains whole grains such as oats and barley, nuts, and very little added sugar and fat. Eaten in moderation, this calorie-dense food can help fill you up, provide energy, and have a positive impact on several important metabolic health indicators (blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight).

Swirl in chopped nuts and seeds for extra protein and extra crunch. We like our yogurt studded with plenty of pepitas, chia seeds, and chopped hazelnuts. Use yogurt to bulk up smoothies. Think of Greek yogurt like cream cheese—use it on bagels with lox or in scrambles and omelets.

Granola and muesli have many similarities, including most of their ingredients and health benefits. The main difference is how they're made. Granola is baked and usually contains added sweeteners — such as honey or syrup — along with dried fruits, while muesli is enjoyed raw and sweetened with dried fruits only.

Dried Fruit and Nuts

Dried fruit and nuts are the dynamic duo that will add fruity sweetness to your morning breakfast. The dried fruit is chewy and the nuts are crunchy, so this combo is bound to please.