HEALTHY FOOD SWAP: SHOP-BOUGHT GRANOLA FOR HOMEMADE

Irresistible, crunchy, packed with oats, nuts and fruit, granola sounds like the ultimate healthy breakfast. But some shop-bought granolas are a less-than-stellar choice

Many shop-bought granolas get their crunch from a coating of oil, sugar and glucose syrup. Plus, granola is heavy, so the recommended 45g serving equates to just two to three tablespoons, which can look pretty pitiful in the bowl. In fact, many of us pour closer to 60-70g, which can add up to 400 calories, much of it being sugar. If prefer to buy your granola; look for varieties with under 10g of sugar per 100g and aim for over 6g of fibre per 100g. Check for healthy fats from nuts, seeds or olive oil rather than added palm oil. Make your shop-bought granola healthier by adding protein in the form of Greek yoghurt, a handful of nuts and seeds, or a spoonful of almond butter and top with fresh fruit. To avoid feeling deprived if trying to control your portion size, think of granola as a topping for yoghurt, rather than the main event. And if you want to make your own, try this Candis recipe for Berry Granola which is high in fibre and low in added sugar.