Granola is such an easy breakfast. It's nutritious, it's heart-healthy, crunchy, and satisfying! I don't know about you, but we love it at my house. I make a big batch of granola at once and it keeps for a very long time, having it around ensures that I always get my metabolism off to a good start. Don't forget, skipping breakfast or grabbing a sugar-loaded-carb-loaded muffin is not a good way to keep your hormones and energy levels balanced. The intriacy of the female hormone system makes us especially prone to yo-yo-ing blood sugar levels.
BUT, BEWARE
Store-bought granola is actually loaded with sugar. I hate to break it to you but store-bought granola is NOT the health food it's touted to be. A bowl of granola can have as much sugar as a can of soda!
Yuck.
Starting your day with that much sugar is bound to send your body on a high-low cycle of imbalance and cravings.
I still love granola, Homemade granola. It is loaded with nutrients, good fats and just enough sugar to still give you a lift without the crash.
Making granola is so simple, you don't even need a recipe. Here is how I do it:
Chop almonds, dump them on top of as many oats as you want. 6 cups perhaps? Then add as many pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cocoa nibs, coconut flakes as you want. You could add walnuts or cashews too. I usually add sesame seeds to enhance the nutty flavor. If you love pecans, add those, really any nuts and seeds will do! They all have good fats, good proteins= good calories.
The next step is also easy, just mix about 1/3 cup of oil (I use coconut oil) with 1/3 cup of honey (or maple syrup or agave). Add a couple teaspoons of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, 1t of salt and any other spices you like. Sometimes I add some chai spice powder, sometimes turmeric sometimes ginger or grated orange peel . .Get creative with it if you want. I just want to show you the framework.
That's it! Now just pour onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Careful! it burns quickly
Take it out, let it cool and store it in a bag or jar. Enjoy!
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