Are you a breakfast person? Do you want to shed some extra pounds while enjoying a delicious breakfast? If yes, then you are in the right place. Many of us skip breakfast or have a quick bite to eat due to busy lifestyles.
However, it is important to start your day with a healthy breakfast. Making a healthy breakfast choice can enhance your overall health and assist you in losing weight.
Granola is a versatile breakfast dish that incorporates whole grains and nuts to provide the necessary energy for the day.
It is an ideal meal to help you shed some extra weight because it contains protein and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied for a longer time. In this article, we will discuss the breakfast granola that helps you shed pounds.
What is Granola?
Granola is a delicious and nutritious breakfast cereal that comprises rolled oats, nuts, and honey. It is an effortless yet nutritious breakfast option that is incredibly easy to make at home.
Granola originated in the United States in the late 19th century as a health food and is now beloved worldwide.
The main ingredients in granola are rolled oats and nuts, which provide ample amounts of protein and fiber. Additionally, nuts and seeds deliver healthy fats which are important to the body functions.
Honey or maple syrup is added to bind all the ingredients together.
Various types of granolas are available in the market that cater to various dietary requirements or preferences, such as gluten-free, organic, and vegan-friendly.
How Does Granola Help You Shed Weight?
Granola is packed with nutrients, including proteins, fibers, and healthy fats that help keep you full and reduce hunger pangs.
Consuming granola in the morning can help you shed weight by promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing the urge to snack on unhealthy foods throughout the day.
Studies have shown that regular consumption of whole grains, such as oats – the primary ingredient in granola, can lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and type II diabetes. It also helps regulate cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
The other key ingredient of granola, nuts, provide healthy fats that assist the body’s metabolic functions and help blunt hunger sensations.
Related Article
The fat-burning cereal that keeps you feeling full
Together, these ingredients can help you control your appetite and eat less throughout the day, leading to weight loss.
The Granolas You Should Opt for When Trying to Lose Weight
Not all granolas are equal in terms of nutrition, flavor and calorie levels. Some of them are sugar-laden and calorie-dense, making them unsuitable for weight loss purposes.
Therefore, it’s important to choose the right type of granola if you’re trying to shed some pounds. Here are some of the best granolas to ensure that weight loss remains on track:.
: 1. Low-Calorie Granolas
If you’re trying to lose weight, low-calorie granolas are a perfect option for you. They contain fewer calories and less fat than their counterparts while still providing the essential nutrients required by the body to function correctly.
When selecting low-calorie granola options, look for brands with less than 100 calories per serving.
: 2. Sugar-Free Granolas
Sugar-laden granolas can hinder weight loss progress, and sometimes, they increase your sugar cravings, leading to overeating. However, sugar-free granolas are an excellent alternative to sugar-laden granolas.
Try to opt for brands with no added sugar or those that utilize natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
: 3. High-Fiber Granolas
Look for granolas with higher fiber content if you wish to lose weight. The extra fiber content can help you feel fuller for longer, minimizing the urge to snack in between meals.
Brands with at least six grams of fiber per serving are good options if you want a high-fiber granola.
The Perfect Granola Recipe for Losing Weight
Making your granola at home is an excellent way to ensure that it caters to your needs and tastes. You can eliminate ingredients that affect weight loss, such as added sugar, vegetable oil, and other unhealthy additives.
Below is our favorite granola recipe packed with nutritional benefits:.
: Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup maple or honey
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts work best)
- 1/2 cup dehydrated fruits (apples, raisins, cranberries, or apricots work best)
: Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly.
- Heat the maple syrup or honey and coconut oil in a separate pan until the coconut oil is entirely melted.
- Pour the syrup mixture into the mixing bowl with the rolled oats mixture.
- Mix everything thoroughly and ensure that all the rolled oats are coated.
- Bake the mixture for 15-20 minutes, stirring every five minutes, until the oats are crisp and golden.
- Once done, let the granola cool for 5 minutes before adding nuts and dried fruits.
- Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Granola is an excellent breakfast choice for anyone who wishes to lose weight. It is packed with nutrition and helps reduce hunger sensations, making it easier to avoid unhealthy eating habits or binge snacking during the day.
Ensure that you select the appropriate granola brand, opt for low-calorie, sugar-free and high-fiber granolas, or better still, prepare your granola using our simple recipe. You’ll start feeling the positive effects of incorporating granola into your daily breakfast routine!.
