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The truth about granola
Don't you love granola for breakfast, granola bars for a snack, and those fun little granola parfaits you can get at fast food restaurants anytime? So wholesome right? Well, actually not. Despite its healthy image, some store-bought granola is so loaded with fat and calories it makes our list of 25 Fattening Foods You Should Never Eat. The solution? Make your own low-sugar, low-fat granola, breakfast bars and parfaits and pair it with fat-free fruit and Greek yogurt. Here are some of our favorite recipes!
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro
Wholesome Morning Granola
This delicious, crunchy granola is sweetened with fruit juice, honey and natural sugars (you control the sweetness) and packs a whopping 5.6 grams of fiber per serving. We toss in dried blueberries but it tastes just as good with raisins or any dried fruit. Make it in large batches to use in other recipes or give as a housewarming gift.
Try this recipe: Wholesome Morning Granola
Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
Indian spices and freeze-dried fruit make this low-fat breakfast full of surprising flavors and crunch. Greek yogurt delivers 11 grams of protein, double what you'd get from a regular granola parfait, as well as calcium and vitamin D.
Try this recipe: Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
Related video: Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
Granola with Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds and Dried Mango
Possibly the easiest granola recipe ever created, this version is perfect for beginners, with a 5-minute prep time and mix-and-match ingredients. This incredibly crispy and hearty cereal gets its fabulous flavor from chopped dried mango, pumpkin seeds, and pecans.
Try this recipe: Granola with Pecans, Pumpkin Seeds and Dried Mango
Photo: Plamen Petkov
Yogurt Crunch Parfait
Granola is the perfect excuse to sneak our favorite source of monounsaturated healthy fat, pumpkin seeds, into breakfast. Pumpkin seeds not only add texture, but essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, too! Antioxidant-rich cantaloupe and blueberries add juice, sweetness, and color.
Try this recipe: Yogurt Crunch Parfait
Almond Cereal Bars
Cereal bars aren’t usually a dieter's best friend. These are the exception. At only 144 calories each, they pack fiber, vitamin C, and loads of sweet and tart fruit flavor. We love to make them in large batches, then individually wrap them in plastic and freeze. Yum!
Try this recipe: Almond Cereal Bars
Greek Yogurt Sundae
Stock up on Greek yogurt, your own homemade granola and fresh fruit and you can enjoy this fat-burning breakfast every morning. Yes, it looks like a sundae, so you can also enjoy it for dessert. Here's how to make it: In a bowl, layer 1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup granola and 1 cup sliced kiwifruit. Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.
Photo: Leigh Beisch
Everyday Granola
Have you ever noticed how expensive store-bought granola can be? This delicious, nutty version can be made at home for pennies, and it's packed with energizing dried fruit, fiber, and unsaturated fats. Add low-fat Greek yogurt and it's a meal!
Try this recipe: Everyday Granola
Photo: Amy Kalyn Sims
Quick Baked Pears
We can't decide if these baked pears are a breakfast or diet-friendly dessert. Either way, at under 200 calories a serving and 4 grams of filling fiber, you can dig into this sweet treat every day and never feel guilty.
Try this recipe: Quick Baked Pears
Photo: Travis Rathbone
Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfait
Every layer of this skinny parfait, from the cereal to the Greek yogurt to fresh fruit, is filled with energizing nutrients and flavor. With a whopping 23 grams of protein, this amazing breakfast will keep your metabolism humming all day.
Try this recipe: Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfait
Related video: How to Make Greek Yogurt Fruit Parfait
Granola Yogurt Parfait
Parfaits are so inviting they're hard to resist, and this one happens to be super healthy too. You can use your favorite fruit-flavored Greek yogurt to make this delicious breakfast, but if you go for plain instead you'll save 70 calories. Here's how to make it: Layer 6 ounces plain fat-free Greek yogurt with 2/3 cup granola mixed with 1/2 cup puffed wheat cereal or granola, and 1 cup sliced fruit.
Photo: Yunhee Kim
Morning Sundials
This fresh, fruity recipe looks like sunshine on a plate, and can be prepped the night before. Packed with vitamin C, calcium, and a hit of fiber, this treat just might become your favorite way to enjoy citrus fruit.
Try this recipe: Morning Sundials
Jamie's Easy Granola
This easy granola recipe, created by Jamie Oliver, one of our favorite celebrity chefs, tosses together quick-cooking oats, mixed nuts, lot of high-fiber seeds and shredded coconut. Feel free to mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste. Try serving with low-fat milk or yogurt for a quick breakfast or a snack.
Try this recipe: Jamie's Easy Granola
Photo: Antonis Achilleos
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Talk about the Mediterranean diet! This luscious breakfast combines protein-packed Greek yogurt, honey, and pistachios, for a surprisingly low-calorie breakfast or dessert.
Try this recipe: Greek Yogurt Parfait
Maple Date-Nut Oatmeal Breakfast Squares
These delicious granola bars are almost foolproof to make. They are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a deep maple flavor. Eat one every morning to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you energized all day.
Try this recipe: Maple Date-Nut Oatmeal Breakfast Squares
Waldorf Parfaits
Parfaits are a fun way to mix up your breakfast or snack routine. This recipe has layers or tart kiwi, loaded with vitamin C, protein-packed Greek yogurt, crunchy, heart-healthy walnuts, and apple and apricot flavors. Sprinkle a little homemade granola on top for amp up the crunch and fiber.
Try this recipe: Waldorf Parfaits
