#188 Promoting Good Health Hybrid Power Tropical Granola

How is your morning ? Has it been any better than mine?
The last few weeks I've been in my office gym at lunchtime to complete the new workout program that was set up by our trainer. I don't understand why I volunteered to register for it but I did and it is my second week of success. I didn't realize that it included 16 days of multiple weight lifting, situps, and many other exercises to complete the Functionally Fit game. It is a rigorous cycle to work all the muscles of the human body, but my muscles are worn out every morning for the past few weeks.

I love the idea of strengthening muscles, so I took up the challenge along with some support buddies. That's when I realized I have countless friends ready to work out at a moments notice! An encouraging buddy your own age, can be very motivating at times like this when you must do squatts (like below) with a Pilates ball holding five pound weights. However, we've been bending over backwards just to keep up with the program, and although it has been a bit trying for me to get all the feats accomplished I am close to completion.   I'm also realizing that getting old is no fun when your mind tells you one thing,  but then your arthritic joints get a bit creaky and tell you something else!...LOL

BTW,  cooking is on the back shelf  for a couple days and I can only think of something healthy to share with you today. A commonsense approach to start the day right.  A homemade breakfast granola (while enjoying the foods you crave) with low fat Yogurt and honey loaded with all my favorite dried fruits and nuts. Mangle it with dried pineapple bits and salted pumpkin seeds for a tropical punch. A scoop of low or non-fat yogurt,  a tablespoon of honey drizzled over it and I've accelerated my morning with a boost of energy. How can you resist a breakfast that looks like this?

Ingredients:
Quick Cooking Oats- 2 cups
Dried Figs- 1 cup
Dried Dates- 1 cup
Dried Pineapple- 1/2 cup
Dried cranberries- 1 cup
Walnuts-1/2 cup
Pumpkin Seeds- 1/2 cup
Brown Sugar- 2 Tbslpn
Ground Cinnamon- 1/2 tspn
Butter- 2 Tbslpns

Method:
1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F and place a rack in the center of the oven.
2. In a large bowl, combined oats, nuts, chopped fruits, seeds and ground cinnamon.
3. In a small bowl melt butter add the brown sugar. Mix well and toss into the large bowl. Toss well.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until
the mixture is bownish, Cook it and make sure to break up large clumps before storing in an airtight container. When you are ready sprinkle over yogurt and drizzle with honey. Top with berries of your choice for an even larger parfait!