If You’re Like Me, Then Right About Now You Are Trying To Start The New Year With A More “Healthful” Attitude.
I am tired of making resolutions I never resolve. So, this year it’s all about balance. Taking time to focus on keeping a healthy mind and body.
The first thing I must change is taking time to eat breakfast. Coffee and creamer is not a considered a breakfast, so I must come up with something that can be easily transported and eaten on the go. My morning food mission got me thinking about granola. I love granola, but it is commonly over-sugared and highly oiled when you buy it off the shelf. Here is the good news: it’s simple to make and you can control what goes into your granola. If you are not a dried fruit fan, then use more nuts and seeds. Likewise, if you are not fired up about nuts, then focus on dried fruits. The other nutrient I am missing in my morning breakfast routine is protein. After some experimenting, I figured out a great way to add protein directly to my granola. Here’s my secret recipe!
Protein Power Granola
3 c old fashioned rolled oats
½ c unsweetened, shredded coconut
½ c unsalted sunflower seeds
½ c unsalted pumpkin seeds
½ c unsalted almonds
¼ c unsalted raw pistachios
2 T chia seeds
1 t sea salt
1 T cinnamon
¼ c vanilla protein powder
2/3 c coconut oil
¼ c raw honey or agave nectar
►Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together oats, coconut, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, nuts, chia seeds, salt, cinnamon and protein powder.
►In a small bowl, combine coconut oil and honey. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir together and pour over dry ingredients. Place granola on prepared baking pan. Bake in oven for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container.
