Mornings are full of chaos, and there’s often not enough time to grab a sufficient breakfast option. Finding those breakfasts that are quick, easy, and healthy is essential to get your day started right. Granola ticks off a couple of those boxes, being an easy option with a satisfying crunch. However, certain granolas are quite high in sugar and lack the proper nutrients for a healthy meal. Instead of grabbing the store-bought option like everyone else, perhaps making homemade versions of the beloved breakfast item is more advantageous.
Granola Blends
One particular recipe features a grain-free approach. This is perfect for gluten-free or low-carb diets, or those who want to increase the amount of nutrient-rich nuts and seeds in their diet. These two food groups are praised for a balance of protein, healthy fats, and minerals. It’s like a kickstart to your day, all in a couple of bites.
Another fun homemade granola blend combines the warm spices of chai tea (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves) with the crunch of nuts for an autumnal twist. This particular recipe also includes maca powder, known for its energy-boosting properties. Plus, the nutty flavor of maca perfectly pairs with the blend of pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, flax meal, and chia seeds. Add a little maple syrup and coconut oil to complete the breakfast dish.
Health Benefits
Nutritionists and health experts prize the benefits of granola’s ingredients. Chia seeds are great for heart health and digestion, while flax seeds help with your skin and provide an anti-inflammatory omega-3. Other nuts rich in omega-3s, like walnuts, can also aid in brain function. This not only makes granola delicious for your taste buds, but one satisfying for your body too.
Research backs up the health benefits of granola when it is properly put together. The high fiber and healthy fat content within granola can help provide satiety, weight management, and cardiovascular health. Flax seeds can help with blood pressure and cholesterol, while the prebiotic fibers target gut health. Even grain-free options have health benefits, lessening blood sugar spikes and promoting better insulin sensitivity.
A Customizable Option
There are copious blends of granola out in the world, from oil-free, sugar-free, or even ones inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. Some recipes stick to the basics with oats and chai spices, while others take a step out of the comfort zone by emphasizing the dry, crunchy texture. This means granola can not only be geared towards your dietary preferences and health desires, but your taste buds, too.
For those on the go, making granola at home can be more beneficial than just staying on the healthier side. Homemade granola allows for quick breakfasts that reduce stress. Plus, they cost less to make than store-bought versions, and often contain less sugar. The granola can be used as a snack or a topping on various items like yogurt, providing a fun addition to your day.
All in all, homemade granola allows you to expand your taste buds and experiment with flavors and superfoods that are a crucial part of your diet. Whether you add some chai spices for a hint of autumn or maca powder for an herbal escape, homemade blends provide a customizable alternative that can be adjusted to your preferences. Busy families may want to consider making some granola the next time they go out grocery shopping.