Grain-free Granola is Here!

This past weekend I tried my hand at grain-free granola and wow! It turned out delicious.  Why grain-free you ask? Well, after a visit to my doctor last summer I decided to drastically cut my grain intake.  I was doing much better as far as my blood pressure was concerned but I was continuing to feel completely exhausted.  Many days I could barely hold my eyes open and even if I was able to do that, moving my body felt as if I was dragging around 500 pounds of dead weight (literally).  I could barely lift my arms and legs and my brain was definitely not online.  I consistently felt like I was maneuvering my way through a haze or dense fog.  Simply existing required all my energy.  No fun.  No way to live.

So, after discussing this with my doctor he suggested I try a high fat, lower carb mediterranean diet to ditch the zombie like status and continue on my upward trajectory of health.  I had just started eating meat (very sparingly) a few months before so I knew this would require true dedication from me.  However, I was willing to try just about anything in order to feel better.  As I played with the boundaries of my new eating plan I realized that carbs (and not only the kind found in grains) were definitely the culprit of all that brain fog, fatigue, and even tachycardia.  The more I paid attention the more I realized that grains really aren't for me.  That said, I also realize that unprocessed grains can be a positive thing for mood and the gut microbiome.  So, I'm not grain-free 100% of the time.  Instead, I steer clear as much as possible, consciously eating grains when I recognize my body needs them, and remain gluten free to feel my best.  Grain-free or not, I do love my granola.  It's a complete comfort food for me.  I love the smell while it's baking and the texture is just perfect when mixed into the creaminess of non-dairy yogurt or milk.  It's a piece of home when I'm on the go and it helps me feel grounded during those grey winter days.  So, of course I had to make a grain-free version of one of my favorites.  Thus the birth of this recipe.  A grain-free, gluten free, healthy treat that will make your heart as happy as your tummy.

I really think you're going to love this one and I promise, you won't even notice the missing grains (or sugar).  I used fresh apples to play up the texture element and it's only lightly sweet with no added sugars (since, besides causing inflammation, most sugars send me to the moon).  If you're not sugar sensitive and can tolerate maple syrup or honey one of those would be a great addition before the bake.  I always have a mix of nuts and seeds on hand so I used all of them in this recipe.  However, if you don't I would suggest using at least two to three different type of nuts and two kinds of seeds.  It just gives the granola more flavor and variety, which I think is necessary since we're not using oats.  Feel free to play around and make it your own!

RECIPE:

1 Green Apple, finely chopped

1 Fresh Date, finely chopped (if not sugar sensitive, 2-3 dates would be delish!)

1.5 - 2 Tbsp each Chia, Hemp, Pumpkin, and Ground Flax Seeds

1.5 - 2 Cups Roughly Chopped Mixed Nuts

1/3 - 1/2 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil, Melted

1/4 Cup Orange Juice

1/2 tsp Himalayan Salt (adjust for personal needs)

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Spice (adjust to taste)

1/2 tsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Mix all ingredients in a bowl

Line baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread mixture evenly on parchment (not too thick or it won't get crunchy)

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden, stirring every 11-13 minutes (this ensures even baking and all the crunchiness)

Once done, allow to cool for a bit then store in glass jar in the refrigerator

*For extra sweetness stir in a little maple syrup or honey before baking

Enjoy!