Amy’s Grain Free Granola

Traditionally, the main ingredient in granola is oats. Did you know that oats are commonly known to spike blood sugar? Meaning your glucose levels rise higher than they should after eating (aim for spiking no higher than 25 points after a meal). Oats are also high in phytic acid, which inhibits the body’s absorption of key minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium. Oats have been parading around, acting like a “health food” for years, but there’s more to the story. 

Oats are a grain, and they are pure starch. Starch turns to glucose when it’s digested, which causes a spike in glucose levels. Of course there are ways to enjoy starches like oats without causing such a spike, but that conversation is for a different day. Even then, many of my clients feel best limiting grains, or avoiding them altogether. 

If you are looking for an alternative to cereal or your favorite granola and yogurt parfait, this is for you!

Ingredients: 

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup chopped  pecans

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup  pepitas

1/2 cup ground flax seed

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 

6 tablespoons almond flour

4 tablespoons granulated monk fruit

4 tablespoons of coconut oil (melted) 

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Finely chop the pecans and walnuts (I used my Vitamix on the pulse setting)

Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add melted coconut oil and vanilla, mix well. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

So good with unsweetened coconut or almond milk as a cereal or as a topping for unsweetened coconut yogurt.