Granola is one of those foods that can trick even the most health conscious consumers. What comes to mind when you think granola? Camping, backpacks, breakfast, snacking… are we right? What you may not be thinking of is SUGAR. As with many packaged foods, the serving size of granola is often misleading. If you are eating 1 cup of granola (trust us, it's easy to do) you could easily be mindlessly snacking on more than 550 calories, 28 grams of sugar and over 80 grams of carbs (eeeek). The worst part? You're most likely still feeling lethargic and hungry just a few hours post that brutal sugar spike.
So, how to avoid this fiasco? Make your own! When it's done right, granola makes for a great snack. Enjoy it on its own or use it as a topping over Greek yogurt with fruit. It's about time granola got a makeover.
Glam Granola Recipe (makes 8 servings):
- 4 cups oats
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup chopped or whole pistachio nuts
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 teaspoons flax seeds (and/or chia seeds)
- 1/2 cup cup goji and/or mulberries
- ⅓ cup cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil
- 1/4th cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with tin foil
2. Add the liquid ingredients to the chopped nuts, seeds, and oats and stir until clusters begin to form
3. Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until granola is golden brown