What's really in your granola? - AmericaNowNews.com

What's really in your granola?

It's an amazing fact: On average, two new breakfast cereals are introduced to market shelves each week.  Many of those are granolas that claim to reduce calories and trim our waistlines. But Devin Alexander says people need to watch out -- that granola may not be as low cal as you think.

"Many people think that granola is the perfect choice if you are following a healthy diet, and while that can be true, it can also be very calorie-dense," explains Devin. "One cup of some brands can have more calories than a plate of bacon or 11 of my brownies. If you ask me, I'd rather have one of those!"

Devin advises that when you select a granola, make sure to read the serving size. 

"I don't think it's realistic to eat less then a cup of cereal," she says. "So I always look for one that has less than 200 calories per cup."

You also want to find one that is high in fiber and low in sugar. And when it comes to the package, don't be deceived: labels that claim to be "fit" or even low fat, often have small serving sizes of about a quarter-cup. A granola that has only 2 grams of fat per serving size would add up quickly when you pour a normal-sized cereal portion of about a cup -- 480 calories and 8 grams of fat.

"I once had a friend who was eating a very healthy diet, yet she couldn't figure out why she wasn't losing weight," says Devin. "Then she realized that she was eating close to 600 calories worth of granola almost every morning, but it was only a cup so she had no idea. Once we figured it out, we switched her to a 200 calorie cereal and got rid of the granola. And she lost close to 40 pounds in a year!"

Devin says that healthy eating doesn't take too much effort when you're dedicated - just a few smart choices a day.

Copyright 2011 America Now.  All rights reserved.

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