GK Barry, who's real name is Grace Keeling, shared a look inside her daily eating habits with Closer magazine. The 25-year-old, from Cambridge, said that although she's usually on-the-go with a hectic work schedule, she still makes time for a filling breakfast - including a food that's packed with protein and fibre.
She told the magazine: "I'm constantly on the go with work so my eating habits change daily. For breakfast, I usually keep it simple but nutritious – I’m a big fan of granola."
You'll typically find granola in supermarket cereal aisles. Just like cereal, there are dozens of ready-made flavoured varieties on offer, but some people prefer to opt for a plain version and build their own custom bowl in the morning with different toppings like yoghurts and fruits.
It's widely reported that granola is a filling option to eat in the morning due to it's high protein content. Consuming plenty of protein can lead to a reduction of a hormone known as ghrelin, which can help you feel fuller for longer. This can stop you from snacking unnecessarily and reduce your calorie intake - potentially helping you lose weight and reach a healthy physique.
Besides its high protein, granola also contains a lot of fibre, which slows down how quickly your stomach empties itself. By increasing how long you digest food for, you'll also feel more content and less likely to snack through the afternoon.
In the same interview, Grace shared that her local supermarket of choice is Waitrose. Using the own brand variety Waitrose Berry Granola, it states a typical portion contains nearly 5g of protein and just over 3g of fibre. However, there will be differences between other product ingredients. That might mean more or less protein/fibre per portion.
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Getty)Depending on the ingredients that make up shop-bought granola, you could gain additional benefits. For example, certain granolas that contain flax seeds have been shown to help reduce blood pressure.
Granola contains many nutrients, including iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin E and plant-based protein from oats, seeds, and nuts. Dried fruits in granola contain antioxidants.
Granola can be healthy in small amounts, but it depends on the brand and ingredients. The cereal can become a very calorie dense option which may lead to weight gain. The same portion of high protein granola from GK's local shop also contains 7.5g of sugar (per 45g portion) which is more than a 45g bowl of Cornflakes that has about 5g per portion.
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ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Many store-bought granolas are high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars. Even "natural" sweeteners like honey can add too much sugar. You could always make your own healthy granola at home. But to choose a healthier granola, you can:
- Read the nutrition label and look for one that's high in fibre and low in saturated fat and sugar
- Check the ingredients list to make sure it's made with whole ingredients like seeds, nuts, and raisins
- Look for granolas with less than 3 grams of added sugars and no more than 8 grams in total sugars
- Choose granolas containing olive or avocado oil over those containing palm or coconut oil
So, as with all foods, it is important to make sure you don't overconsume for the sake of health. Eating things in moderation will help to counter against possible problems.
While low-sugar granola could help you lose weight by keeping you filler for longer, it is not a miracle cure. It is always best to speak to your doctor before making any drastic lifestyle and diet changes, especially if you have a medical condition.
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