Some view granola as an all-star health food, others think it's belly fat in a box! Here are the pros and cons surrounding this crunchy breakfast staple.

Many granola recipes are made up of a combination of healthy and potentially not-so-healthy ingredients. A basic granola includes oats, a sweetener (like honey or sugar), oil and possibly flakes or crisps made from wheat or rice. Additional ingredients can include some combination of dried fruit, nuts and coconut. Some brands might also add a protein boost.

The average nutrition stats for a ¼-cup (4-tablespoon) serving without nuts is about 100 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar and 17 grams of carbohydrate. For the same portion with nuts it's closer to 140 calories and 7 grams of fat.

Fill a basic cereal bowl with granola for breakfast and you might be scarfing down more than 600 calories! Depending on which brand you choose, a bunch of those calories may be coming from sugary sweeteners (and empty calories). On the other hand, that same high-cal breakfast may be thanks to healthier ingredients like nuts and dried fruit.

Instead of pouring an overflowing bowl, opt for mixing a ¼ cup of granola with a lower calorie cereal. Or get rid of the bowl altogether and just use a light sprinkle to add crunch to yogurt, fruit salad or pancakes.

Bottom Line: No need to give up on granola! Sensible portions are an obvious recommendation but more important, read ingredient lists and select a good-quality brand.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »