Friday Foodspiration: Blueberry Sunflower Seed Granola

Granola is one of my favorite snacks – with a little almond milk, over yogurt, or right out of the jar.

I pick up a bag from the grocery store and check the ingredients nearly every week. I’m hopeful a new brand won’t be filled with grains and sugar. But, the package always ends up back on the shelf.

I need more from my granola. I need it to provide healthy fats, a protein boost, and less sugar than in packaged brands. So, I always end up making it myself. It’s also a great way to get in my seeds when seed cycling.* This one includes both sunflower and sesame seeds.

I prefer to use a food dehydrator for the perfect chunky granola, but you can also make excellent granola in your oven on the lowest setting. Watch closely toward the end of the cooking time to prevent burning – then enjoy in any way you love to eat your granola.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

• 1 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds (1/2 cup ground)

• 1 cup Sesame Seeds (1/2 cup ground)

• 1 cup Sliced Almonds

• 1 cup Pecans, chopped

• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt

• 1/2 cup Golden Monk fruit Sweetener

• 2 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder

• 1/4 cup Coconut Oil

• 1/2 cup Sunflower Seed Butter (Sunbutter), no sugar added

• 2 Egg Whites, whisked (or equivalent from a carton)

• 1/2 cup Dried Blueberry, no sugar added

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees ( or lowest temperature setting) or prepare food dehydrator at 110 degrees.

2. Grind half cup each of the sunflower and sesame seeds (I use a coffee grinder). Add to a large bowl with coconut flakes, almonds, pecans, sea salt, sweetener, and protein powder.

3. Heat coconut oil and Sunbutter in small saucepan or microwave until oil is melted. Stir to combine and add to dry ingredients.

4. Add whisked egg whites and stir until mixture is combined.

5. Spread on parchment lined baking sheet or on dehydrator trays. Bake in the oven for 1-2 hours or dehydrate for 3-4 hours. Check frequently for desired texture (chewy versus crunchy).

*Interest in this crazy thing I talk about called seed cycling? It’s a natural way to help balance your hormones at any age or stage of life. I’d love to tell you more and discuss other ways your food can work for you on your journey to health in a Free Wellness Discovery Visit. Click the link below to get started.