The blend of tart cranberries, spicy ginger and zesty orange peel in this Orange Ginger Granola is the ultimate morning treat that will wake all your senses.

Dear Granola,

Why u so good, tho?

Signed,

Georgie

No but really. What is it about the combination of oats, nuts, seeds, fruits and coconut that is so damn satisfying? When I truly understand that I think I’ll finally reach some sort of divine enlightenment. Until then, I’ll just accept my mere mortal status and continue to stuff my face with granola.

It’s funny, I think when it comes to foods I really love I either over do it and get sick of them, or I over do it and crave them even more. Almond butter and granola are definitely in the latter category. I suppose there could be worse things to constantly crave, but even in with healthy foods, it’s important to be mindful of how much and why you’re consuming them.

Personally, I struggle consistently with late night snack cravings and granola is usually on the top of that list. However, one of my favorite tactics to help ease these cravings is reminding myself that it’s not off limits, but if I wait until tomorrow, it will be even MORE enjoyable.

A fascinating section of “Better Than Before” by Gretchen Rubin* (yes, I am a borderline fan girl of her work) talks about different distinctions when it comes to habit formation. When it comes to regulating certain habits, she argues that people are either a moderator or abstainer. Meaning you either respond well to having just a little of something you crave or not having it at all. I think I fall into the moderator category however I sometimes have to “take breaks” from certain foods if I feel like I’ve over done it.

I’ve taken breaks from pasta, cheese, avocado, yogurt, granola, nut butter at some point or another just to make sure our “relationship” stayed healthy in the long run. All delicious parts of a healthy diet, but just like that one friend, sometimes a break is what you need. Because yup, as annoying as it is, you can definitely have too much of a good thing. However, for now at least, me and granola are still chillin’. I can enjoy it at breakfast then put it away.

Another lovely thing about this granola recipe is it’s a lot lighter. It has less sugar and oil than most granola recipes without sacrificing that lovely crunch.

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Your Turn

• What’s your favorite breakfast lately (I need you’re help, trying to break out of my routine)?
• Do you have any foods that you crave the more you eat ’em?

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