A key part of a healthy diet is smart snacking. It is often recommended to eat small meals/snacks throughout the day instead of just three (or for many people only one or two) larger meals. Many snack foods are not healthy alternatives, despite clever marketing claims or emphasis on their caloric content (100 calorie packs, I’m looking at you). However, granola is a great option. It has whole grains to help regulate blood sugar and keep you from binging later in the day. Nuts provide some health fats, and some dried fruits can add flavor and anti-oxidants.
GRANOLA RECIPE (Makes 13 cups)
---------------------------------------------- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil 1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey 1-1/2 cups lightly packed brown sugar 6 cups quick oats or old-fashioned oats 2 cups chopped walnuts, or almonds, or pecans 1 cup wheat germ (optional) 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup raisins or other dried fruit 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries or dried cherries Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 17 x 11" jelly roll pans with cooking oil spray. Combine oil, syrup & brown sugar. Microwave uncovered 'til melted (approx. 3 min.) Whisk any lumps. Combine oats, nuts, wheat germ and coconut in large bowl. Pour syrup mixture over and mix. Spread evenly onto jelly-roll pans. Bake 10 min. Stir, then bake approx. 10 more min. (Switch pans/oven racks for even baking.) Cool one hour then sprinkle dried fruit over and mix together. Store in sealed containers or jars. Can freeze portions in zip-lock bags also.
