| We're not crazy...We're nuts! |
Humans have been eating nuts since the dawn of time. We're made to eat them! But have you ever wondered why they're so good for us? Turns out nuts are tasty little treats full of nutrients! Here's why:
Fat (the good kind!): Although all nuts contain both saturated and unsaturated fats, they are the kind that are healthy for us and that our bodies immediately turn into energy. Walnuts are also a good source of Omega 3's, which, among other health benefits, contribute to a healthy heart.
Protein: Nuts are a great source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans, who do not benefit from animal proteins. Peanuts contain the highest amount of protein, with 7 grams per ounce, followed by almonds and pistachios, with 6 grams.
Carbohydrates: Most nuts are fairly low in carbs. Pecans and walnuts, for instance, only have 4 grams per ounce.
Fiona's known for a while just how awesome nuts are, which is why she created a whole line of roasted nuts. These include: Rosemary Hazelnuts, Chipotle Pecans, Walnuts a L'Orange, Cinnamon Almonds, and Chipotle Peanuts. She is creating another variety, so stay tuned! Buy online at www.fionasgranola.com and start reaping the nutritional benefits!
Info. extracted from International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation
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Chipotle Peanuts |
 | | Cinnamon Almonds |
 | | Chipotle Pecans |
 | | Rosemary Hazelnuts |
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Welcome to Fiona's Granola
Happy October! Or should we say...Boo! Hard to believe it's officially autumn. The leaves are changing, the temperatures are leveling off, and wholesome, hearty food is on everyone's mind...except for the kids. They would prefer candy! What better way to satisfy their sweet tooth than with organic, agave-sweetened granola? Fiona hands out packets of her granola instead of candy when the trick-or-treaters come to call. Until Halloween hits, though, our articles on nuts and whole grains, as well as our Cinnamon Almond Cookie recipe, will warm your belly as we say hello to the autumnal equinox. |
Holy Grains!
Okay, so maybe this article should be titled "Whole-y Grains", but this stuff is so great it might as well be sacred! Since all of Fiona's products (except for the nuts) contain whole grains, we thought we might give you some insight as to why they're so important in a healthy diet. Prepared to be amazed...
When choosing between whole and refined grains, consider the following. The main advantage of a diet full of whole grains is that they reduce your risk of certain diseases, including stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, inflammatory disease, colorectal cancer, higher blood pressure, gum disease and tooth loss. Wow! They can also help manage your weight. Since whole grains have lots of fiber, eating them will keep you full longer and help maintain a lower daily calorie intake. Any amount helps, but doctors recommend eating whole grains three times per day. We hope you'll think twice before grabbing that loaf of white bread!
Ok, we may have convinced you, but what about your family? Your kids are still going to prefer Wonder Bread, right? Wrong. A recent University of Minnesota study proved kids aren't really as picky as we all once thought, and they are actually much more accepting of whole grains than once believed. Diabetes in your family? Fiber is one of the factors that is known to slow the uptake of glucose into the blood stream after eating. Good news all around.
So next time you're debating what to eat, consider the potent little whole grain. Some Fiona's Granola, replete with organic oats and barley, can contribute greatly to your overall health, and we all know how happy your tastebuds will be.
Information extracted from wholegrainscouncil.org |
"SPICY" CINNAMON ALMOND GRANOLA COOKIES
Made with Fiona's Cinnamon Spice Granola and Cinnamon Almonds, these are sure to be a hit as the cooler weather sets in. The cinnamon and nutmeg are warming, and the repleteness of wholegrains makes this a very healthy cookie! The addition of chocolate chips lifts this cookie into the heavens.
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups Fiona's Cinnamon Spice Granola
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup Fiona's Cinnamon Almonds
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix into the creamed mixture. Stir in the granola, chocolate chips, and cinnamon almonds. Drop by even tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 2" apart. Bake 11 - 14 min. on sheet tray, until cookies are lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool 5 min. on sheet tray, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
Note: for a wheat-free version, substitute barley flour for the wheat flour, and add 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum to the dry mix. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for the butter.
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