So, we all know that not all calories are created equal and if health was simply a matter of consuming the magic number’s worth of calories, there would be no need for healthy food information, right? It’s about nutrition, people. It’s not about your 100 calorie pack of Oreos (that I hope none of you are eating) and more about the one ingredient foods filled with antioxidants, fiber, omega 3’s, healthy fats and lean proteins.
If you take a look at a few snack options such as empty calorie snacks such as processed bags of chips or chocolate- you’re getting the caloric content in the form of hydrogenated oils in the chips and in the form of refined sugar with the chocolate but there is ZERO nutritional value. What’s worst is that these highly refined, highly processed foods actually end up depleting your body of vital nutrients.
The result?
Well, that’s an excess of calories and a deficiency in nutrition, which leads to food cravings.
Empty calorie foods like chips and candy lack the vital nutrients that our bodies need to run optimally. High sugar foods end up slowing down our metabolism and even though so many point system diets may value an orange and a candy bar as the same because they have the same number of calories, the quality is different. The orange is packed with nutrients and the candy bar is void of any nutritional value. The orange will help your immune system, your cells, your mitochondria and much more.
Make sense?
So, today I thought a healthy granola recipe would be the perfect way to show off a fun and healthy snack that you can enjoy without the empty calories and chemicals. Sound good to you?
I hope so.
Get your oven ready – you’re gunna love this recipe!
Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup pecans
- 3 Tbsp. flax seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut flakes
- 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil melted
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or any other dried fruit you have such as raisins
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
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Combine all ingredients (except cranberries) in a large mixing bowl; toss to combine to ensure everything is coated with maple syrup and vanilla extract.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until desired crispiness. Remove from the oven; set aside to cool for 10 minutes before serving; add dried cranberries and toss to combine.
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Recipe will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for a week.
I am confused by this recipe. Am I to assume that you chop up the almonds and pecans? In the picture of the granola it looks like all the ingredients are small. Just didn’t see anything in the directions regarding this.
Hi Lori! You can chop the nuts or leave them whole – it depends how you like your granola!
I see several references in the comments to the use of nut butter in this granola recipie. I went back over the recipie and your post several time but do not see any reference to he addition of nut butter. Are we supposed to process the 2 nuts together as I don’t see any whole nuts in the pictures.
Thanks Elsa; there is no nut butter in this recipe. This recipe was updated so you can just follow the recipe. xoxo Enjoy!!!
I have a wee question.
Ther are references to nut butter in this recipe. But it’s not in the ingredients list. .?
I’m new (as in day one) to freeing myself from sugar 🙂
Can anyone enlighten a confused kiwi … 😉
Hi Shan, there is no nut butter in this recipe. This recipe was updated so you can just follow the recipe. xoxo Enjoy!!!
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Hi, This looks great but I can’t have sugar of any kind so honey is Maple Syrup are out. What could I use instead? I like the almond butter idea and wonder if I could try that to clump it and use xylitol for the sweetner?
You can try the maple syrup but I haven’t tried it!
Thanks Amie for sharing this recipe with us. I want to know more about the polo granola recipe. I will try it in my home.
Loved making this! Put it mason jars at home and gave some away at work.