Meet G'Ma

Hello everyone. This is G'Ma Sally. I was lucky enough to "acquire" Sally when I married her son, Eric. Smart move on my part. Not only does Sally share yummy recipes with me, like the one for her homemade granola below, but she also reminds me that anything is possible with a little hard work and determination. Sally completed her first triathlon at the tender age of 63 and still bangs out century rides with her bike group in Florida. She shows no signs of slowing down and I like it that way.




As we age our metabolisms do slow down, starting at about age 30, but it doesn't have to be the kiss of death. Regular exercise, especially weight training which builds lean muscle mass and elevates our resting metabolic rate, combined with a healthy diet absolutely can thwart the weight gain many assume is inevitable with aging. Grandma Sally exercises at least 5 or 6 days a week and is in better shape than she was in her 30’s, proving that it’s never too late to start an exercise program and see results. Go G'Ma!

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Oatmeal and oat bran are significant sources of dietary fiber, containing a mixture of half soluble and half insoluble fibers. One component of the soluble fiber found in oats is beta-glucans which has proven effective in lowering blood cholesterol.

G'Ma's Granola



Ingredients:
3 c. regular oats (not “quick” oats)
1 c. chopped walnuts
½ cup sliced almonds
½ c. raw wheat germ
2 TBS agave nectar
1/8 c. water
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. nutmeg
¼ t. salt
Raisins or dried cranberries, optional

Preheat oven to 270

Directions:
Combine oats, walnuts, almonds, wheat germ, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a BIG bowl.
Combine agave and water in a measuring cup; microwave about 7 seconds (to combine mixture). Remove from heat and stir.
Stir in oil and vanilla.
Pour over oat mixture and mix thoroughly.
Spread in 9 x 13 or larger rimmed pan.
Bake for 80 minutes total time, stirring at 30/30/20 minutes.
Once cooled, add raisins or cranberries if desired.
Store in an airtight container.

Serve:
Sprinkle over a big bowl of fresh fruit with some soy yogurt (make sure it is “plain” yogurt as the vanilla and flavored yogurts contain a LOT of added sugar). Also try to make sure the nuts you use are raw or plain rather than salted, as the added sodium is not necessary or good for you.