There are two types of people in the world. Those that like Neil Diamond songs and those that don’t. I am in the category that very much enjoy him and his songs. In 1971 he came out with a song called “Crunchy Granola Suite” and the song describes how a man who previously suffered through all sorts of hang-ups has found solace with his newfound adherence to the stereotypical California, macrobiotic, granola, health food lifestyle.
So, inspired by Neil Diamond, let’s talk “Granola”. Granola is usually considered a healthy breakfast cereal. It’s a toasted mixture of rolled oats, nuts, and a sweetener like sugar or honey, though it can also include other grains, puffed rice, dried fruit, seeds, spices, and nut butters. Yet, some ingredients — such as chocolate, oils, and syrups — may be high in added sugars and fats.
Here is a nutritional breakdown of two popular granola products:
| Nutrient | 1/2 cup (50 grams) of Kellogg’s Low Fat Granola | 1/3 cup (50 grams) of Gypsy Crunch Roasted Granola |
| Calories | 195 | 260 |
| Protein | 4.4 grams | 7 grams |
| Fat | 2.9 grams | 13 grams |
| Carbs | 40.5 grams | 28 grams |
| Fiber | 3.5 grams | 4 grams |
| Sugar | 14.2 grams | 12 grams |
Although granola provides beneficial fiber and protein, the carb and fat contents, as well as the caloric count provides the downside of turning to granola as a “healthy” breakfast.
So, although granola may be good for songs, I suggest that a breakfast of eggs and lean breakfast meat constitutes a better breakfast for weight control than granola.
Enjoy a live (on tape) performance of Neil Diamond singing about granola.
