Read the labels

Recently I bought a box of what looked like might be a healthy alternative to a snack in something called “pastry crisps blueberry” made by a very well known cereal company. Advertised as 100 calories per pouch, I thought it would be a quick, easy snack low in calories. As I turned the box on its side I checked the label with the ingredients listed. Yikes!! As it was, I felt as if I’d be eating a “pile of chemicals”! I printed out the label and talked about it at the start of my Spinning class the next day.

For example, have you ever heard of Datem (Diacety Tartaric Acid Ester of Mono and Diglycerides)? How about TBHQ? It is a preservative made from a form of butane! Alginate? – a thickener that absorbs water quickly made from brown algae. Cellulose from tobacco and paper products is used as thickening agents.
After sharing the information on the label, I thought of offering a healthy alternative. How about fresh blueberries over whole grain granola? In fact, some granolas are very,very easy to make at home, so I’d like to offer a quick recipe for you to try. Please read the labels and make the very important decision if you want to feed that to your children and yourself as well.

Easy Homemade Granola

Using a large cookie sheet or other pan with sides that allow you to stir the mixture – butter pan and preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl combine:

• 3 cups whole rolled oats (not instant or quick—use organic if possible)
• pinch of salt (optional)
• cinnamon (to taste)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup shaved coconut
• Nuts & seeds – Use whatever you like. Use almonds and flax seed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans, and almonds. Use as much as you want.

Stir all ingredients together (will be slightly wet.) Pour into single layer on buttered pan and bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 15 minutes. Stir contents, arrange in single layer again, and continue baking for another 10 to 12 minutes and remove (Bake until barely starting to turn a little tan.) Stir again and allow to cool. Granola will be crunchy when cooled.

After cooking you can stir in dried fruit like cherries, raisins, cranberries etc.  Store in glass jar, not plastic – stays fresh in glass better.  If you double the recipe make sure you use a very large baking pan so the layer will still be thin enough to get toasty. Also… bake at 300 degrees and not higher. This allows the granola to cook slow and get nice and toasty.

About the author:  Group Fitness Director Lynn Duffy often brings her homemade snacks into the club to share with members and co-workers.