Q. What is the difference between raw sugar and the regular white sugar I’m used to? – Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter Article

Q. What is the difference between raw sugar and the regular white sugar I m used to?
— Read on www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/15_1/ask-experts/Q-What-is-the-difference-between-raw-sugar_2508-1.html

Simply Nut free Granola

This Granola is delicious and nut free, adding cranberries adds a sweetness that’s all natural.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)

• 1 ½ cup raw seeds (I used 1 cup pumpkin seeds and 1/2 cup sunflower seeds)

• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon)

  • 1/2 cup flax seed, chia seed, hemp seed mix.

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil

• ½ cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (I used dried cranberries)

• Totally optional additional mix-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes*

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.

3 Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.

4 Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.

5 Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.

6 Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy with yogurt, milk or just plain. It’s delicious.

I carry it as a snack in my bag, when I get hungry. The seeds have much fewer calories than nuts.

14 Influential RDs Setting the Record Straight About Nutrition

You can count on these 14 media-savvy registered dietitians to break down nutrition myths and give you realistic, attainable advice.
— Read on www.verywellfit.com/influential-rds-setting-the-record-straight-about-nutrition-4173735

5 Favorite Food Bloggers Solve Your Diet Dilemmas | Bottom Line Inc

Known for far more than posting pretty food pictures, these health-minded foodie bloggers share their advice to help you reach your diet goals.
— Read on bottomlineinc.com/health/diet-nutrition/top-food-bloggers-solve-diet-dilemmas

Small, incremental improvements in diet and physical activity habits can lead to big health benefits Preparing for a Healthy, Happy New Year!!

According to surveys, the two most popular New Year s resolutions involve losing weight and getting fit–and for good reason. Moving toward a healthier dietary pattern and being more physically active are crucial steps toward achieving well-being–with or without weight loss.
— Read on www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/14_12/special-reports/Preparing-for-a-Healthy-Happy-New-Year_2490-1.html

Eat more plants, fewer animals – Harvard Health Blog – Harvard Health Publishing

Research has made it clear that eating a lot of red meat and processed meats increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes. A diet that is mainly plant-based is better for overall health, and it does not mean you have to give up meat entirely.
— Read on www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eat-more-plants-fewer-animals-2018112915198

It really is important to check the food label on your yogurt container, it’s shocking to see how many supposedly fruit yogurts have excess sugar in them.Yogurt or dessert? High sugar makes it hard to tell – Harvard Health

Many brands of yogurt contain large amounts of sugar.

— Read on www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yogurt-or-dessert-high-sugar-makes-it-hard-to-tell

Love those legumes! – Harvard Health Blog – Harvard Health Publishing

Legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils are full of healthy nutrients, fiber, and protein, and a diet that includes them can help lower the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. It’s easy to incorporate more legumes into your eating pattern, starting with a recipe for hummus.
— Read on www.health.harvard.edu/blog/love-those-legumes-2018102515169