Did you know that fibre and whol4e grains are key components of a healthy diet? If you did, have you been looking for a simple, delicious way to increase these key nutrients in your diet? Well look no further, because this delicious granola recipe is your answer! Whole grains are fantastic because they are a wonderful source of dietary fibre whereas most refined grains contain little fibre. Soluble fibre from whole grains helps slow the breakdown of carbohydrates and your body’s absorption of sugar, consequently helping with blood sugar control. These foods also promote heart health by lowering your risk of heart disease, helping with maintaining healthier blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Another bonus is that they make you feel full and this can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

This recipe is also loaded with almonds!  Almonds contain the most dietary fibre out of any nut at a whopping 16 grams of fibre per cup! If whole grains and nuts aren’t already a part of your diet, consider increasing your intake. You should aim to consume at least 3 servings of whole grains per day (3/4 cups of dry cereal, 1/2 cup of oatmeal, or two slices of whole grain bread) and a quarter cup of nuts a day to get the most health benefits. This granola recipe contains an abundance of whole grain rolled oats, and is loaded with dietary fibre which is largely due to the nuts and dried fruit in it, making it a tasty, simple way to increase your whole grain and fibre intake.

High Protein, High Fibre, Almond and Nut Granola

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Ingredients

6 cups rolled oats (consider substituting 1-2 cups of rolled oats for rye flakes)

½ cup ground flax seed (try using coffee bean grinder to grind whole flax seeds)

1 cup almond flour

1 cup slivered or sliced almonds

½ cup chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or other favourite nuts

1 cup chopped dried fruit (apricots, blueberries, and cherries are my favourite)

1/3 cup unflavoured whey protein powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup liquid honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl (oats, almond flour, slivered almonds, chopped nuts, chopped dried fruit, whey protein powder, cinnamon) mix well. – set aside

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Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vanilla, and honey until well combined.

Step 3

Add liquid honey mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Place a layer of parchment on two large rectangle baking sheets. Divide oatmeal mixture into two and spread evenly over two large rectangle baking sheets.

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Step 5

Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and stir, then continue baking for an additional 5- 10 minutes.  Until granola is golden brown. (Note: it will harden as it cools). Granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Enjoy with milk, use to top yogurt, ice ream or as a quick topping on fruit crisps. Try heating equal parts granola with equal parts milk in microwave on high for two minutes for a tasty hot cereal.

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