The Best Low Fat Granola

By Scott Ellis


Some prepared cereals are tasty but not necessarily healthy. If you read labels, you may find that a bowl of mixed grains, seeds, fruits, and nuts is high calorie, loaded with sugar, and full of fat. Just switching to a commercial low-fat variety may not help. Finding the perfect low fat granola for boosting health and satisfying hunger takes a little work.

Whole grains are on every 'healthy eating' list. However, they should be non-GMO and organically grown to be really beneficial. Rolled oats, the foundation of most cereal mixes, are not modified at present. Other grains might be added, including barley or quinoa flakes, wheat, or corn. This makes a good protein and fiber base for starting the day.

Most grains are not too high in fat. However, they are not all that tasty on their own. Toasting helps bring out the flavor and makes them crunchy, too. Fruit, nuts, seeds, and spices like cinnamon and vanilla are often added for flavor and sweetness. It's important to choose these additions wisely, in order to get the most nutrition without piling on calories.

Fat itself is not the enemy. In fact, many of the fats found in nuts and seeds are essential nutrients which may be in short supply in many diets. Modern dieting plans often stress that it's carbs, not fats, that are the real problem. It's possible to choose nuts that are good sources for essential fatty acids but relatively low calorie, if you want the best of both worlds.

Nuts, often high in all kinds of fat, are still worth eating. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans are considered safe for dieters. Macadamia nuts are known to be fattening, but they also contain the kind of fat that's quickly used for energy rather than being stored in the body. Cashews and pistachios are high-calorie, too, and so are Brazil nuts. Brazil nut, however, support a healthy thyroid by supplying selenium, a scarce trace mineral.

Seeds also contribute good nutrition. Both flax and sunflower seeds taste great in a mix and add protein and fiber. Chia, walnut, and flax are rich in Omerga-3 oils, which most of us need.

The point is that fats are not bad per se. However, many cereals also contain oils, which add crunchiness to the mix when it is baked or toasted. These oils may be adding calories and lowering the nutritional value of the breakfast food. Canola and soy oils, which are a popular additive, will almost certainly be GMO is not certified organic. Any hydrogenated fats should be avoided.

Do the research and know what you want in a cereal. You may even want to buy ingredients and make your own; that way you know it will be fresh and contain nothing you don't want. Adding bran - wheat, oat, or rice - is one way to have more in your bowl but less of both fat and calories. It's easy to make a great mix. Just assemble, toss with a high-heat oil like coconut, and bake (stirring occasionally) at 300 degrees for about forty minutes until crisp and browned.




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