Coconut Pecan Granola
Contributed by: Peter H. Gott, MD of Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet
The unfortunate truth is that Americans are fat and getting fatter by the minute. Recent studies by the Centers for Disease Control reveal that 65 percent of Americans are overweight - up from 47 percent just 25 years ago. Worse, the rate of obesity has more than doubled in that time, from 15 to 31 percent! But help is on the way...
Peter H. Gott, M.D., has developed an easy, foolproof way for his patients and readers of his popular "Ask Dr. Gott" newspaper column to lose weight while maintaining healthy nutrition. By cutting out such high calorie, low nutrition foods as flour and added sugar, thousands have already benefited, achieving significant weight loss and improved overall health. When Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet was published earlier this year by a small publishing house, it landed on the New York Times bestseller list with minimal publicity or promotion. On January 22, 2007, Warner Books will publish the hardcover edition of Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet ($21.99).
According to Dr. Gott, Americans concerned about their weight too often turn to fad diets. Some of these diets du jour may work at first but are detrimental to overall health because they eliminate or severely restrict certain important nutrients. They are also often impractical, costing large amounts of money and/or requiring endless calorie calculations. Over the past 40 years, Dr. Gott has developed a sensible, no nonsense diet that has helped his patients lose weight and maintain great health throughout their lives. His No Flour, No Sugar Diet is affordable and effective, and allows a wide variety of foods (including many items you wouldn’t expect like rice, potatoes, and fresh fruit) that are delicious and nutritious.
The concept is simple: weight loss results from burning more calories than we take in, and the fastest, most effective way to reduce calorie intake is to eliminate flour and added sugar from our diet. While this may sound difficult - no bread? no cookies? no ice cream? - Dr. Gott shows how substituting healthy alternatives - oatmeal rather than a bagel for breakfast, eggplant lasagna rather than pizza for dinner - will reduce our weight, fill us up, and taste great. Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet also features:
- in-depth explanations of why flour and added sugar are so bad for us
- practical, nutritious substitutes for flour and sugar-based foods
- tips on lifestyle choices necessary for a better life, from setting realistic weight-loss goals and keeping a food journal to the importance of getting emotional support and exercise
- a comprehensive "New Eating Plan" outlining what to eat and what not to eat
- delicious, easy-to-make recipes for everything from breakfast to desserts and snacks, including Strawberry Crepes with Dark Chocolate Sauces, Baked Tortilla Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Pork Tenderloin Roasted with Fennel, Apples, Potatoes, and Onions
The author also includes real questions and challenges posed by his readers, along with his informative answers.
More than a diet book, this invaluable guide to sensible eating has already helped thousands achieve and maintain their desired weight. Concise and straightforward, Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet presents an effective diet plan that delivers phenomenal, fast results.
Less sweet than you may be used to, this granola adds a delicious crunch to yogurt - try it with nonfat plain yogurt with sliced fresh peaches or strawberries. It also makes a delightful topping for fruit crisp and is a perfect quick breakfast on its own with skim milk. Add raisins or other dried fruit for variation.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup Fruit Sweet
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325° F.
Melt butter in a large mixing bowl in the microwave. Add Fruit Sweet, oats, pecans, coconut, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined. Spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil spray and spread mixture out on the pan in an even layer. Bake, stirring several times, about 25 minutes until mixture is light golden brown. Cool completely. Serve at room temperature. Granola can be stored, in an airtight container, for several weeks.
About The Author
Peter H. Gott, M.D. is the nation's most popular medical columnist. His daily Q&A-style health column, "Ask Dr. Gott," appears in more than 350 newspapers nationwide. His articles have also appeared in USA Today, the New England Journal of Medicine, Saturday Review, and other publications. He recently retired from a 40-year plus career in private practice.
Copyright © 2006 Peter H. Gott, MD
Peter H. Gott, MD, is the author of the nationally syndicated newspaper column ''Ask Dr. Gott." His articles have appeared in USA Today, the New England Journal of Medicine, Saturday Review, and other publications. He has a general practice in rural Connecticut. Visit www.hbgusa.com for more information.
Serving Size: Makes About 8 Cups Or 16 Servings
