Eating store-bought granola is more like sampling from a mystery grab-bag – ingredients are difficult to pronounce, processed additives are skillfully hidden and sugar dominates the nutrition label.  I like making my own, which sounds far more complicated…not to mention domestic…than it really is.  This is a great recipe that takes ten minutes to pull together, and if you’re an avid reader of The Fit Post (which you are, of course) then you’ll notice this is the same one I posted in October 2009… apparently October is my granola season.

• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup toasted almonds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup coconut (can be either sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (dried apricots, cranberries, blueberries or dried apple)
• 1/4 cup cooking oil (not olive)
• 1/2 cup honey

Mix the oat, nuts and grains in a large bowl.  Measure oil into the measuring cup and swirl it around before pouring into bowl.  Then measure out the honey in the same, unwashed cup. The oil will help the honey exit the cup.  Toss everything together until evenly coated and then pour out into a baking pan. I use a large roasting pan, as it keeps everything contained. A cookie sheet with a lip also works.  Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, turning it with a spatula every ten minutes or so. You want everything to be an even golden brown.  When it is finished cooking, return the baked granola to the mixing bowl, add the dried fruit and stir to combine. Stir gently several times as it cooks, so that it doesn’t clump together too much.

I hate to start the week off ranting, but why are granola companies including so much extra sugar, artificial ingredients and other unhealthy add ins with their recipes? If I want a bowl of Lucky Charms, I’ll buy Lucky Charms – however, I prefer that my granola not look and taste like the sugar doused cereal I ate when I was 7…

Ok – phew.  positive voice is back ON!

My favorite (other than the one that I make obviously – see recipe from 10.1.09 post) is Chappaqua Crunch Granola – a high quality company started by one very biz savvy (ex Wall St. to be exact) woman.  Their fiber and protein rich organically grown rolled oats oats provide a great source of complex carbs with 20 grams of whole grains and at least 3 grams of fiber/serving.  Things you will never find with a Chappaqua product: trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavors, cholesterol, high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified ingredients OR wheat in the product itself as well as in their baking facility.  My favorite is their Simply Granola but the other flavors that include real nuts and fruit are delicious too – try including a 1/4 cup in Greek Total 0% Fage yogurt or rolling with peanut butter.

As quickly as handbags are changing on 5th Avenue…or CEO’s changing on Wall Street, health trends cycle through alpha super foods by the minute.  Now taking the place of Flax Seeds, the Chia Seed includes 30% Omega 3 oil (linked to providing protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis and depression) and 40% Omega 6 oil (associated with promoting healthy skin, hair and nails ), both working at their optimal levels when combined together.  Most important for athletes, the Chia Seed is highly hydrophilic, meaning that it absorbs large amounts of water…in this case, over 10 times its weight in water.  Easily digestible, you won’t need to grind or blend the seed unlike last season’s Flax (which passes right through if eaten whole).  Their subtle taste and texture make Chia Seeds a great ingredient for cooking or baking.  I just found a recipe for Chia muffins which I’m going to try to mix with a whole wheat banana bread recipe.  Alternatively, you can add to smoothies, protein shakes, pudding, salad dressings or anything else that needs an extra punch.  Aside from all of its other positive attributes, Chia Seeds are attractive to athletes and hikers (originally favored by the ancient Aztec warriors) thanks to their energy increasing properties, enhancing stamina and endurance.  Get a bag of seeds, be creative – and find you’re inner chia!