I go back and forth with believing granola is "good" or "bad". It's too high in sugar but it's full of fiber! It's high calorie, but it's packed with healthy fats and potassium. Then I remember there's no morality when it comes to food. Foods don't qualify as good or bad, and you're not bad or good for choosing to eat them or avoid them. There's so much more that goes into our food choices and I believe labeling food "good" or "bad" derails our focus. We should focus on making decisions that reflect we actually care about our health while knowing how to enjoy life's pleasures.. like a little sugar every once in a while!

What's granola good for?
Rolled oats are a whole grain. A grain in whole form is better than the sum of its parts. Basically the grain works better for you when it hasn't been broken down by man, refined, and then put back together like white flour.

Research shows us oats are good for:

lowering cholesterol
reducing blood pressure
regulating blood sugar
increasing appetite control hormones
improving your immune system
providing antioxidants
aiding in weight maintenance
& making us feel full and satisfied!

And that's just naming a few. Not everyone tolerates grains well. I believe, if you can tolerate them, you should include them in your diet daily.

This recipe was inspired by one of my friends doing the Daniel Fast. She made their granola and I loved it. I added some salt and cinnamon and fell in love! It's not sweet like most granola that could pass as cookie crumbs (yum). But you can appreciate the whole grain, toasted coconut, and SALT. "Salt in moderation" is my middle name. I love it!

I like to put this granola on top of yogurt, but grabbing it straight from my pre-portioned, zip-lock baggie whilst driving to work or working on the computer is my favorite way to eat it. And yes, I absolutely get it everywhere. It's not pretty. My co-worker told me to start putting it in a water bottle.. maybe so she doesn't have to watch me eat it with my hands. I'm considering it.

Oh, Hi Kevin. I think he thought I couldn't see him?

Salted Coconut Granola

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oat
1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt, regular or pink himalayan sea salt
4 Tbsp canola oil
1 cup raisins, golden or regular

Prep

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine oats, coconut, almonds, cinnamon, salt, and oil. Toss until blended.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes; stirring granola every 5 minutes. The outside edges will burn if not rotated.
Allow for it to cool before adding the raisins.

Servings: 12
Serving size: 1/3 cup

Calories: ~ 180 calories; Fat: 10 grams ; 3 grams saturated fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 101 grams sodium; 179 grams potassium; 22 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 9 grams sugar;
4 grams protein

See the research for yourself:

A healthy lifestyle has been a deeply personal journey for me and it is the same for all of you. The reflections on this blog are observations I have made through my own experiences. They are not intended as medical or dietary advice. You should consult with your physician before making any radical dietary changes. Please contact me if you are interested in dietary advice that is customized to your needs.