4 Reasons Why Granola Should Always Be in Your Cabinet

Back in 2017 when my husband adopted a vegan lifestyle, it had a profound effect on my health as well. Not only did I end up losing weight without any effort, but his food choices helped me become much more aware of my own food choices, especially breakfast.

After trying granola for the very first time, I liked it so much that I immediately swapped my daily orange juice based smoothie, turkey bacon and toast breakfast I had eaten every single day for 8+ years, for french vanilla and almond granola with soy milk. Now this is what both Dave and I eat for breakfast every morning, even when we travel!

Having a healthy breakfast every morning and keeping smart snacks on hand are a must for keeping your energy levels up and curbing cravings for unhealthy foods during the rest of the day. But you don’t have to cook up a full meal to make these changes to your daily diet — something quick and easy works, too. That’s why granola has been a major go-to for me since late 2017. Every morning I start my day by eating granola as cereal with soy milk, and I often use it in acai bowls as an afternoon or evening snack.

Here are 4 reasons why you should add granola to your go-to food stash:

1. IT'S SURPRISINGLY FILLING

Because granola is made of oats, nuts and grains, it naturally has a healthy balance of good fats and carbohydrates that will keep you full and extend your energy for hours. After eating granola for breakfast, I’m completely full and satisfied until lunch— no headaches, low energy or cravings, whatsoever!

2. IT COMES IN LOTS OF FLAVORS

Thankfully, granola is available pretty much everywhere and there are tons of flavors to choose from. My personal favorite is French Vanilla and Almond from WholeFoods, but you can also make your own by searching recipes online or on Pinterest.

3. EVEN KIDS LOVE IT

Multitasking foods the entire family likes is important when you don’t have time to find something special for everyone’s tastes. Granola is great because it’s sweet and crunchy like cereal, which my kids love, but it’s healthier than most cereals. And if they want something sweeter than granola on its own, I add sliced strawberries, blueberries, bananas and dark chocolate chips to it, along with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

4. IT HAS MAJOR HEALTH BENEFITS

Not only does granola boost energy, it also improves digestion and more. Plus, it pairs well with other wellness-promoting foods, like probiotic-packed yogurts and antioxidant-loaded acai bowls.

image source: HungryOnion.org