If you've never tried, making your own granola is super simple and requires few ingredients. In less than 30 minutes, you can make a huge amount of granola, which looks super cute stored in mason jars! You can even give as a gift!

The nutritional qualities of granola can vary greatly. Some store-bought varieties are better than others- but they are all processed. So, make your own! Control the quality and quantity of each ingredient.

There are so many options and combinations, but I chose to keep the ingredients simple and healthy- with a base of oats, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and peanut butter!

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The Dish on Oats

• Great source of fiber and protein
• High in iron, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium
• Often referred to as one of the healthiest grains!

Pumpkin Seed Benefits

1. Provide carbs, fiber, protein, and fat
2. Good source of magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper
3. High in antioxidants
4. Contains polyunsaturated fats

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The Good Stuff About Walnuts

• Provide protein, carbs, fat, and fiber
• Good source of copper, folic acid, manganese, and Vitamins B6 and E
• High in antioxidants
• Great source of polyunsaturated fats- omega-3 AND omega-6!

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Note: Healthy granola DOES NOT equal low fat and calories!

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Ingredients in Healthy Peanut Butter Granola

• Oats
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Walnuts
• Peanut Butter
• Maple Syrup
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Salt

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What is granola made of?

The main ingredient is whole oats. Then- nuts, seeds, and/or dried fruits are often added. It's topped with an oil and baked until crunchy.

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Is granola healthy?

It's not low-carb or fat free, but granola provides a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. In a proper serving size, with limited sugar- granola can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Ways to Enjoy Granola

• With a spoon
• As cereal, topped with milk
• With yogurt and fresh fruit
• Strawberry crisp. Anyone? Anyone??
• Add to a smoothie bowl
• As a crunchy French toast topping

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