Eating granola conjures up images of long hikes through state parks and healthy breakfasts in the morning. Even the word “granola” has become synonymous with a natural healthy lifestyle. So would you believe that this wholesome food might actually be sabotaging your weight loss goals?

The Daily Mail reported that in a study of five different granolas, most had more than 12.5 grams of sugar per serving. To put that in perspective, these granolas have more sugar per serving than a can of cola. And even more surprising, the granolas were almost uniformly bursting with high amounts of saturated fat, some with even more than the amount found in fast food french fries.

What Happened to Healthy Peanut Granola?

Peanut granola and other granolas have been marketed as health foods, but there is more to these “healthy snacks” than meets the eye. Many of these granolas do in fact have healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. The problem is that the ingredient list doesn’t stop there. Often times, granola ends up packed with preservatives, oils, and sugar. And don’t be fooled by natural sugars: even granolas that are sweetened with honey, cane syrup, or fruit juice can be very high in sugar.

Healthy Peanut Granola Recipe

Though it may be difficult to find truly healthy store bought peanut granola (though you may have better luck at a health food store), you don’t have to give up good granola. Try this healthy version for a lower fat, lower sugar option:

• Peanut Granola WIth Cacao Powder - Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix together 1/4 cup cacao powder, 1 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup sesame seeds, 1 cup sunflower seeds, 2/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 cups raw peanuts, 1/2 cup whole cane sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (you’ll probably need two) then spread out granola on baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes. Flip over halfway through.

When it comes to finding a healthy granola, just remember that the most important thing is to check the label. Watch out for high fat, high sugar granolas, or just make your own healthy peanut granola.

Source:

• “That ‘healthy’ bowl of granola has more sugar than coke… and more fat than fries: Busting the diet food myth”, Daily Mail Online

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