Healthy Nut & Seed Granola

Who doesn’t love a good crunchy, satisfyingly, salty and sweet granola? However, most of them are full of refined sugars and oats. This recipe is full of healthy fats for long lasting energy from nuts, seeds, and coconut. Also, there are antioxidants from dried berries. The sweetness is from 100 pure maple syrup and a little goes a long way. This recipe makes a big batch to keep in an air tight jar in the refrigerator. It can be a topping for greek yogurt or a small snack to have later in the day. I sometimes like to add into a smoothie for an easy booster. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

100 grams raw almonds, roughly chopped
100 grams raw macadamia nuts, roughly chopped
100 grams raw cashew nuts, roughly chopped
100 grams raw walnuts, roughly chopped
75 grams pepita seeds
20 grams dried coconut flakes
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp flax seeds
75 grams dried goji berries
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp Redmond’s Real Salt
1 tbsp coconut oil, unrefined
Add in some liquid Vanilla Stevia drops for sweetness if desired.

Directions:

Roughly chop raw nuts using a food processor or you can chop with a good chopping knife.

Place all the ingredients, except for the goji berries, chia and a flax seeds, in a bowl and toss lightly just enough to cover everything with the oil.

Pour ingredients out onto a parchment paper lined baking tray making sure that it is evenly spread out. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Toss with a wooden spoon 1/2 way through. Watch closely as you don’t want the nuts and seeds to burn.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled you can add in the goji berries, chia and flax seeds. Then transfer to a large mason jar and store in the refrigerator. Use within 2 weeks for best quality.

* The nuts given are my favorites, however you can omit or replace a nut with your favorites. Some good options are hazelnuts, Brazil nuts or pecans. *

This recipe is a great alternative to cereal when someone is transitioning off of a standard American diet or still just likes a nice crunchy meal for breakfast!

• The raw almonds provide a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium and vitamin E.

• The raw macadamia nuts provide a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, manganese, folate, iron and vitamins A and B.

• The raw cashew nuts provide a good source of minerals. They are rich in iron, copper, zinc, manganese.

• The raw walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, they are also rich in antioxidants.

• pepita seeds or pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients including healthy fats, magnesium and zinc.

• Coconut flakes are a good source of fat, manganese, phosphorus and iron along with other vitamins and minerals.

• Chia seeds are full of fiber. They also have good protein and fats. They are a source of calcium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus among other vitamins and minerals.

• Flax seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acid and contain ALA which is one of the 2 essential fatty acids our bodies need to get from our food. They are also rich in fiber and lignans.

• Goji berries are a good source of protein, copper, iron, selenium, zinc and vitamins A and C.

• Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, it can lower blood sugar levels and is protect against

  cancer.

• Redmond’s Real salt can help create electrolyte balance in our body, increase hydration,

  prevent muscle cramping, help in metabolism functioning, help the intestines absorb

  nutrients, improve circulation and so much more.

• Coconut oil is a source of saturated fats that can actually raise our good cholesterol.

  So as you can see, this granola is a powerhouse of nutrients for us. A small serving is all that is needed to keep you energized and create a satisfying meal to fuel you through the day.