How Can I Lose Weight Using Granola Bars, Detailed Diet & Benefits

Finding a healthy granola bar is not easy. A granola bar should be packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals which helps to keep the hunger at bay between meals. But in reality, many granola bars are loaded with sugar or processed ingredients that end up being more like a candy bar than being a nutritious snack.

It’s a common fact that while we’re on a weight-loss track, we must stay away from processed foods, sugary foods, and also store-bought snacks. Therefore, a homemade granola bar is full of nutrients from healthy foods like oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds. Multigrain puffs add another elements are also helpful. For natural sweetness, dates, honey, cranberries, and raisins can be used. These foods are sugar-free, nutrient-rich, and even weight loss-friendly.

What is Granola?

Granola is the most popular breakfast granola cereals around the world. While granola snack bars once grabbed people’s attention, we’ve discovered that granola in its raw form, has extreme health benefits. It is made with a variety of healthy ingredients, like rolled oats, whole grains, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes even honey for added sweetness.

What is a normal portion size?

A normal serving size of granola must be about 40-45g that is approximately ½ cup or about three tablespoons. Granola can help to form a part of a varied and balanced diet. However, it’s important to keep the recommended portion size as granola is high in sugar. According to granola recipes, adding milk or natural yogurt and fresh fruit can help create a more balanced breakfast and add calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals to your meal.

Nutritional profile of granola

One of the most common questions that come to everyone’s mind is, “Is Granola Healthy”? You have to understand that the nutritional profile of granola varies with the brand or recipe. Some have more dried fruit, which will increase the natural sugar content, and others might be high in fiber, protein, and fat.  

A typical oat and raisin granola can have around 200 calories per 45g serving of which 32g are made up by carbohydrates, 10g is sugar, 3 - 5g of fiber & protein, and 4 - 7g of fat. Generally, granola that has lower added sugars will also be lower on the glycaemic index. Granola is also a good source of iron, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E and B.  

Health benefits of granola bars

Granola can even provide a quick and convenient source of carbohydrates. Many outdoor enthusiasts like to carry granola bars to fuel their activity. Granola calories can even boost protein if you include nuts like almonds or walnuts. Granola can also add a significant amount of calories from added sugar.