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Granola Guerillas!
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Last week, The Weekly Beet went coo-coo for Coconuts! This week, Mary Kent goes Guerrilla to find healthy Granola, putting unhealthy Granola behind bars.
It's Granola Bars in the US and Flapjacks in the UK! Whatever they're called, it's not the name that matters, it's the ingredients. The Beet Girls say listen up to the HUGE difference between healthy and junk food Granola. We went undercover in search of healthy bars and found some pretty unhealthy evidence instead. Most Granola Bars on the market contain large amounts of Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Fats! We even found some Granola Bars that are made with M&Ms, Snickers, Butterfingers, and Chocolate Chips. If you want to save your waistband and your pearly whites, stay clear of brands like Kudos and Kellogg's. Sadly, we were also ashamed of Mr. Quaker Oats. It's time to read your labels to spot healthy Granola. A few of our favorite brands include Barbara's, GranoVita, Nature's Path, and the Nola Bar.
Junkfood Granola contains:
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils, making it higher in fat, leading to high Cholesterol levels.
- Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, or Evaporated Cane Juice, increasing blood sugar levels, leading to Diabetes.
- High amounts of Calories, which lead to weight gain.
- Artificial Flavorings, Preservatives and Additives.
Healthy Granola contains:
- Honey, Brown Rice Syrup, Barley Malt, Fruit Juice, or Unrefined Sugar, causing a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
- Non-hydrogenated Oils, lowering the fat content.
- Oats are a source of complex carbohydrates
that provide sustainable amounts of energy for breakfast or a snack.
But, the healthiest of all Granolas is the one that you can make at home. Home-made Granola is not only easy, it's super healthy as you can choose what goes in it. A big thank you to Steve Gagne of The Energetics of Food for this recipe we learned at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition:
- You will need 6 cups Rolled Oats, 2/3 cup Brown Rice Syrup, 1/3 cup Coconut Oil, 1/2 cup any nuts of your choice, and 1/3 dried fruit (optional).
- Mix in bowl.
- Place mixture on cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
It's time to make Granola, not war! Don't miss a Beet. Stay tuned for next week.
Love,
Mary Kent
PS. Mary Kent is eating Organic Flapjacks. She is wearing Guerrilla Gear from Camden & Portobello Markets.
PSS. Check out Alice Darrow, Founders of Frou Frou Flip Flops & R-Design, Inc. at Ladies Who Launch.
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