Granola for me is one of those comfort foods that’s like a good, old friend. You know the kind that you can go months (or even years) without talking to, and then pick up right where you left off?! I can go months without making granola and then when I make a batch, I always feel like I should do it more often. It’s a classic add-on to so many things: yogurt & fruit, smoothie bowls, a bowl of cereal, or even a few handfuls on its own as a quick snack. It adds crunch and sweet to your life – what more could you want?!
Prior to being an RD, when my interest in nutrition was first piqued and I was reading labels like they were going out of style, I quickly came to realize that many granolas were high in sugar, fat, and calories. This made me avoid the store-bought versions like the plague, and it was at this point that I first started making my own granola.
As my nutrition philosophy evolved over my years as an RD, I now realize that food is so much more than just calories, and that, although there is some added sugar in most store-bought varieties of granola, it’s actually okay to eat sugar sometimes (gasp!). However, I still often make my own granola simply because I like the taste better!
This granola packs a nutritional punch with healthy fats and carbs, and also tastes great. It’s a perfect way to fuel pre or post workout, as a quick breakfast, or as a snack anytime of the day!
Description
Chia pudding has been popular for a few years now, and it’s no wonder why people love it. It’s delicious and so easy to prepare with just about any type of milk or plant-based milk alternate that you enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups large flake rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral tasting oil)
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup mixed nuts and seeds of your choice (I like a mixture of almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice (dried cherries are really good!)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 F. Prepare cookie sheet by spraying with oil or lining with parchment paper or foil.
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Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and nuts/seeds of choice in a medium-sized bowl.
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In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, avocado oil and maple syrup.
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Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together (use some muscle power and make sure it’s really mixed well).
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Spread evenly on cookie sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes. Toss halfway through baking time.
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Once cooled, add the dried fruit of your choice and enjoy!
Take it one bite at a time,
Cara