Healthy Pecan Raisin Granola

This is my third granola post and there would be many more. That’s how much I like my granola and how many variations of granola there can be in this happy world. If you are like me, then all you root for is Easy, Simple and Healthy. What simple way to achieve it than clubbing all the healthy and natural ingredients into one tasty breakfast or snack item.

I would say this granola is more like my summer version. While my previous granola is more like winter form with cinnamon, vanilla and almonds, this summery version is more of pecans, raisins and melon seeds. The pecans are nutritious and crunchy and nutty all at the same time. The raisins breaks down the sweetness into little bites of tartness and melons add subtle crunch.

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I always prefer the old fashioned oats instead of quick cooking because the quick and instant oats has higher GI(Glycemic Index – carbohydrate ranking) and don’t help to keep you full longer. Old Fashioned and steel cut(Irish oats) are the way to go for maximum benefits.

In general, Granola is healthy but comes along with its own list of positives and negatives.

• + Oats deliver abundant fiber, iron and protein
• + Nuts and seeds add healthy unsaturated fats and protein
• + Butter or oil provide healthy fats depending on the oils you use.
• -ve Can be high in calories depending on the oils used
• -ve Contains dollops of sugar with healthy sounding names

Its always recommended to eat ½ cup granola along with milk or yogurt or fresh fruit to be a more balanced diet.

With all that said, I would take my granola anytime of the day but I do watch what I am putting in my tummy.

I made a chocolate version of the granola with 85% cocoa chocolate and it was bitterly sweet. Just the I like it. Please note that 85% cocoa chocolate is very bitter and not palpable if you are not used to it. You can definitely use any version of chocolate you use. We just like this one at our home.