From Frowns to Smiles: How Granola Won Over My Picky Eater

Do you enjoy a hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold day? If so, you're in good company. Americans buy more oats in January than any other month of the year, which is why it makes perfect sense that January is National Oatmeal Month.

I remember the first time I offered oatmeal to my son.

Grey and I were in the kitchen one dreary morning when I decided to introduce him to oatmeal. Having heard so many good things about oatmeal for growing children, I was eager to serve him a healthy and nourishing breakfast. It was my pleasure to prepare the oatmeal carefully and add a touch of honey for sweetness. I smiled at him as I served it to him.

When Grey took his first bite, his face twisted into a frown. A loud cry escaped his mouth as he pushed the bowl away.

It caught me off guard and I wasn't sure what to do. Despite my attempts to coax him into trying it again, he refused. Disappointed and defeated, I gave him a bowl of cereal instead.

After that experience, I started to do some research on the different types of oat-based foods available. That's when I discovered granola. During my research, I learned that granola is made by mixing oats with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit and baking it until crunchy. It's often sweetened with sugar or honey, and can be flavored with spices or other ingredients such as cocoa or coconut.

I decided to give granola a try. My favorite thing about it was that it was so versatile, and I couldn't wait to give it to Grey. Grey's eyes lit up as soon as he saw the granola parfait. He eagerly devoured every last bite. In fact, he asked for more!

My experience made me realize that oatmeal can be somewhat limited in its uses, even though it can be a tasty and nutritious breakfast option. Granola, on the other hand, is much more versatile. You can use it as a cereal, to top yogurt or oatmeal, or as an ingredient in baked goods.

Oatmeal vs Granola: Which is the Better Choice?

When it comes to breakfast cereals and snacks, oats are a popular and nutritious choice. But what is the difference between oatmeal and granola, and which one is the better choice? Here's a breakdown of the main differences between these two oat-based foods, and why granola may be the better choice:

1. Oatmeal is a porridge made from oats: Oatmeal is made by cooking oats with liquid, such as water or milk, to create a creamy and soft porridge. Oatmeal can be sweetened with sugar or honey and flavored with spices or fruit.

2. Granola is a crunchy mixture of oats and other ingredients: Granola is made by mixing oats with ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and baking them until they are crunchy. Granola is often sweetened with sugar or honey, and it can be flavored with spices or other ingredients such as cocoa or coconut.

So, which one is the better choice?

Here are a few reasons why granola may be the superior option:

1. Granola is higher in fiber: Oatmeal is a good source of fiber, but granola is generally higher in fiber due to the inclusion of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

2. Granola has a lower glycemic index: The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Oatmeal has a moderate GI, which means it can cause a moderate rise in blood sugar. Granola, on the other hand, has a lower GI due to the inclusion of nuts and seeds, which can help to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

3. Granola is more versatile: While oatmeal is a tasty and nourishing breakfast option, it can be somewhat limited in its uses. Granola, on the other hand, is much more versatile and can be enjoyed as a cereal, topping for yogurt or oatmeal, ingredient in baked goods, or even a topping for salads or smoothie bowls.

Overall, both oatmeal and granola are nutritious and tasty options that can be incorporated into a healthy diet.

However, granola may have a slight edge due to its higher fiber content, lower glycemic index, and versatility.

So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast option, give granola a try.

Head to our shop to purchase a bag of our delicious homemade granola or check out our recipe section for inspiration on how to incorporate it into your daily meals.

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