Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in all healthy eating plans, as it allows your metabolism to start working and provides the necessary energy for the brain. However, excuses like feeling full after waking up, sleeping in late, or not having time to prepare breakfast often lead to skipping this crucial meal. To overcome these challenges, it is important to avoid consuming high-calorie snacks the night before that may prevent you from waking up feeling satiated and to embrace the idea that breakfast is the foundation of a healthy diet. Incorrect lifestyle habits can be easily changed with a little effort, and skipping breakfast is one of the first wrong habits that can be modified.
In situations where time is limited due to school, work, or other constraints, we often look for convenient breakfast options. The first options that come to mind are usually ready-made habits like pastries, bagels, or cornflakes, which are high in sugar content. Pastries, bagels, and similar bakery products are high in carbohydrates and fats. The high carbohydrate content can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which may lead to sudden drops and result in increased hunger and a lack of fullness. Additionally, a breakfast that is solely high in carbohydrates and saturated fats can make you feel more tired. A healthy and balanced breakfast should include all essential nutrients, such as whole-grain bread, eggs, cheese, olives, and other classic breakfast alternatives. However, in situations where there is no time to prepare breakfast or when different breakfast options are sought, mixtures prepared with milk or yogurt can be a good choice. The key is to choose oatmeal instead of sugar-laden cornflakes and enhance its nutritional value with fruits and nuts.
What is Granola?
Granola is a crispy product made by baking a mixture of fruits, nuts, and oatmeal in the oven. It can be sweetened with optional ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, or cocoa. All ingredients can be selected according to personal preferences.
3 Different Granola Recipes
Recipe 1
- 2 grated apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup coarsely chopped raw almonds
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 8-10 minutes or until the oats turn golden. Once out of the oven, crumble the granola and store it in a glass jar.
Recipe 2
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 8-10 minutes or until the oats turn golden. Once out of the oven, crumble the granola and store it in a glass jar.
Recipe 3
- 1 cup buckwheat
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, spread the mixture on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and bake in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius for 8-10 minutes or until the oats turn golden. Once out of the oven, crumble the granola and store it in a glass jar.
