Ok granola lovers, today is your day! HEALTHY GRANOLA!
Can I get a woohoo?!
Most store bought granolas are loaded with unnecessary amounts of refined sugar and contain nearly no protein. I’m a granola lover, but it’s hard for me to find a good healthy granola, so today, I made my own! Not going to lie, I burned the first batch because I forgot about the altitude here in Denver! It was totally worth it though, this granola is so delish! It has the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness with the addition of protein from quinoa. Oh ya, it’s also vegan and gluten free! I might add some raisins next time!
Let’s talk about why this granola is so excellent!
Quinoa (keen-wah)
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Twice the fiber over most other grains.
High in iron.
Gluten free.
Flaxseed
Fich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.
Excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Contains B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin,thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates.
Coconut
Great source of manganese.
Improves digestion with dietary fiber.
Contains plant-based healthy saturated fat, monosaturated fat, and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote weight loss and increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels in the body.
Agave
Natural sweetener.
Lower glycemic value than regular refined sugars.
Quinoa Granola
Makes 2 servings
1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp whole flaxseed or chia seeds
1 Tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp agave
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Once the granola has started to turn a golden brown, remove from oven and let cool (this will let the granola set so you will have different sized pieces). After the granola has cooled for about 5 minutes remove from baking sheet with spatula.
You can portion this granola into halves and eat it as a little mid afternoon pick me up snack, or make it into a filling, protein packed breakfast by combining it with the following:
6oz of plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
1 serving of quinoa granola
The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: quinoa
Protein: greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: flaxseed and shredded coconut
Elvia
February 26, 2013 at 4:02 pm (12 years ago)This is awesome! It looks so easy to make and looks yummy. I have a huge container of greek yogurt that is unflavored and very tart and I’ve been struggling on what to eat it with and I think this is the solution. I’m making some tonight for tomorrow.
My doctor just told me I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need to loose weight. I have struggled with this all my life. In the beginning of this year I was really motivated and ready to “cut the fat” and get to loosing weight. Of course like every single time I start I stop. I don’t know why, but this ALWAYS HAPPENS! Talking to my doctor today made me realize this really isn’t a joke and I have to be serious about it. It is inspiring to see your story and despite all the struggles you always come back and kept going. I really hope I make this a lifestyle. I know it won’t be easy but I have to do it for me. Thank you so much for being that reminder for me that I need to fight for my own health. I need to make a difference and I hope to one day be able to post a before and after picture like yours and feel like I really did it. Thank you again and keep making those healthy recipes. I’ll be reading.
-Elvia
Jordan H
February 26, 2013 at 6:39 pm (12 years ago)I’m not sure what kind of yogurt you buy but I get Stoney Field Farms because of the awesome probiotics it contains. And I get the “plain” flavor because anything that comes preflavored like that has a ton more added sugar and usually long lists of horrible additives. It taste horrible so what you should do is buy a few of the organic baby food pouches to use as flavoring. All the pouches are are pureed fruit and water (if you buy organic) and you can usually choose from a wide selection. Some even pack extra antioxidants and super foods! I have been (slowly) cutting out processed foods because of the terrible things that are slipped in under our noses that not only make us gain weight but also have overall lower health. Many of these additives are actually banned in other countries and yet we still unknowingly consume many of them on a daily basis. I’ve found clean living to be challenging and I am nowhere near where I hope to be but I already feel the difference and I’ve lost about 7 pounds with this amazing lifestyle change!
Elvia
February 27, 2013 at 5:19 pm (12 years ago)What brand are the baby food pouches? Where do you usually buy them from? Thanks for the tips!
Megan J.
February 27, 2013 at 7:16 am (12 years ago)You can also mix those little crystal light packets in with your yogurt. If you have 6 oz yogurts you can put half of one of those crystal light packages (the ones you buy to put in your water bottles) and if you have a big tub of yogurt you can put the whole thing in there. Also, my newest thing is to put a tablespoon of PB2 (powdered peanut butter) and 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips in my yogurt. Sooo good! 🙂
Elvia
February 27, 2013 at 5:21 pm (12 years ago)Thanks for the tips. I don’t like crystal light very much but the PB2 thing with choco Chris sounds yummy! I’ll try that. Thanks again.
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:40 pm (12 years ago)Great tips Megan! I know my little bunnies appreciate creative foodie ideas 🙂 xo
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:38 pm (12 years ago)Hi Elva!
I believe in you and know you can do it! Something to think about is getting rid of all of the junk in your kitchen (I can’t even have cereal in my house!). If you live with someone, have a separate place for it because it will really help. Out of sight out of mind! Keep fresh fruit on hand at all times for sugar cravings and try kale chips if you are looking for a crunch! Start making some small steps like taking the stairs and walking to the grocery store/post office/etc. Every little think help! Even switching out one regular meal with a clean healthy portioned meal will make a difference, and will also make it easier for you to ease into a routine!
As for Greek Yogurt, some of my friends like putting Splenda in it to make it sweet. I have also used 1 Tbs (per 6oz) of sugar-free instant pudding mix. There are tons of sugar free flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, etc! It’s like a guilt free dessert haha Also try topping it with fruit to cut the tartness! I hope this helps! Please feel free to check in on my blog or Facebook community if you need some motivation or support!
Health & Happiness xo
Elvia
February 28, 2013 at 4:58 am (12 years ago)Thanks so much for the support and tips! Have a great day!
Diana
February 26, 2013 at 5:57 pm (12 years ago)I’ve been wanting to make a quinoa granola, and yours seems simple, yet super yummy! I love how versatile it can be. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:41 pm (12 years ago)Thank you Diana! xo
Nicole
February 26, 2013 at 8:19 pm (12 years ago)Omg!!! I have all the ingredients to make this!!! I’m so going to make this once the little one goes to bed. Isn’t it the best when you read a delish new recipe and you have all the ingredients??! It’s like heaven! Thank you for sharing!
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:41 pm (12 years ago)Hahaha that really is the best!!! LOVE when that happens! xo
Judith
February 27, 2013 at 6:07 am (12 years ago)Wow, this sounds so good! To bad Agave is really expencive here. I´m going to try and make this with honey instead! Thanks for the realy great recipes!
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:42 pm (12 years ago)Hi Judith! Another readers made a batch with honey and baked it on a lower temperature (honey can burn quickly) and said it turned out great! Never fear, you can use honey 🙂
Amber
February 27, 2013 at 12:28 pm (12 years ago)mmmmm….sounds so good. Any suggestion for replacing the coconut if you don’t like coconut? 🙂
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:55 pm (12 years ago)Good question, you’ve stumped me! I’m sure it would be fine without coconut though!
Elvia
February 27, 2013 at 6:47 pm (12 years ago)I added nuts to mine and dried cranberries. It was so crunchy and I really loved it.
Hee-Jin
February 27, 2013 at 1:08 pm (12 years ago)This sounds amazing!! But question–do you wash the quinoa before you use it or do you just go ahead and mix all the ingredients??
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:56 pm (12 years ago)Hi Hee-Jin! I didn’t wash my quinoa, but if you do, make sure to dry it with paper towel before mixing the ingredients 🙂
Ruth
February 27, 2013 at 5:20 pm (12 years ago)This was ADDICTING!! This is officially a go-to snack recipe. I’m a health coach for a program that coaches life long healthy habits, one of which is eating balanced small meals and snacks throughout the day, and this is a perfect take-along snack! Thank you! Although it does present me with the challenge of not eating it all as soon as it firms up, haha!
I used honey, because I didn’t have agave, so I had to lower the oven temp, but it worked out beautifully. Hee-Jin, I didn’t rinse the quinoa.
Catherine
February 27, 2013 at 5:57 pm (12 years ago)That’s fantastic, I love what you are doing 🙂
Thanks for letting me know about using honey! I know some of my readers will appreciate it! xo
Jessica
March 2, 2013 at 12:56 pm (12 years ago)When you say lower temp, can you give me an idea of how much lower? I’m a little bit newer to cooking so I struggle with that inner intuition. 🙂
Sarah
February 28, 2013 at 8:50 am (12 years ago)So excited about this GF granola! Thanks for creating it!
Reth
February 28, 2013 at 8:53 am (12 years ago)Dear Catherine,
You are such an inspiration and I loved this recipe! I even posted my own version with credit to you on my food and wellness blog rethcipes.wordpress.com. Keep doing what you do, you’re lovely! I know big things are headed your way and I am so happy you are back!
You have given me such great tips and advice!
<3
Reth
Bethany @ The Classy Bee
February 28, 2013 at 11:14 am (12 years ago)This looks delish! I just bought my weight in Quinoa and am looking for new ways to use it. I’m going to have to give this a whirl!
Taylor
February 28, 2013 at 4:29 pm (12 years ago)I had ALL the ingredients on hand! yay yay! So it’s in the oven as I type. I tasted it before I baked it, and it still tasted good, raw and all! So excited! 😀
I love your site, thanks for all the awesome recipes!!!!
Lisa
March 2, 2013 at 12:47 pm (12 years ago)Thank you for the awesome recipe! I just made this with honey (baked on a lower temp as suggested) and I think I found my new addiction! Yummy 🙂
morgan
March 8, 2013 at 9:58 am (12 years ago)I totally made this for a work brunch potluck & people loved it 🙂 thanks for the great ideas!! love your blog
Ashley
March 13, 2013 at 8:14 am (12 years ago)Like most people that have been inspired by your story, I too have struggled most of my life with my weight. I was SOO happy to have stumbled upon your Instagram last night which actually led me to your amazing blog! I was up for hours just reading through eveything. I have a two year old that I hope to pass healthy eating habits on to so she can hopefully avoid the same struggles I’ve had with weight. Ok, so to the point, we made this granola this morning (with chia instead of flax just because I prefer it) and it was a hit! The fact that my toddler was taking handfuls off the baking sheet to eat was all I needed to see to confirm that reading your blog was one of my best choices thus far. Thank you for inspiring me to make a healty change not only for me, but my family as well. Can’t wait to try more recipes!
Ellen
March 14, 2013 at 7:01 am (12 years ago)this recipe looks so good! Unfortunately I really dislike greek yogurt because I find the taste very sour, I usually substitute vanilla greek yogurt (still nonfat). Is this okay? I’m not really sure how unhealthy it would be with the vanilla added, if anybody knows (or knows a way to make greek yogurt a little less tart) please help! I’d be grateful 🙂
Emma
February 19, 2014 at 4:06 am (11 years ago)Ellen, you could add certain things to the greek yoghurt just till you get used to the taste! Like gradually take away from what you add…some readers posted about adding PB2 and dark chocolate chips (tastes amazing), I used to add all sorts of fruit to it (practically till the yoghurt itself was barely visible) then I started to up the ratio. I like the taste now 🙂
If you’re set on vanilla you could always add your own vanilla bean paste to regular yoghurt or add Stevia or some sweetener like agave syrup or honey to it just till you get used to the taste!
Daniela
March 27, 2013 at 8:03 am (12 years ago)I read your blog regularly and also am a fan of making granola AND cooking with quinoa. I recently tried to use quinoa in granola, but after discovering how poorly I digested it I did some research and discovered uncooked quinoa is not good for your digestive system and that the seeds are coated in saponin, a toxic soap-like substance that can bind to minerals and prevent you from absorbing them (August 1995, Nutrition Research). Long story short, I stopped using it in my granola. Maybe good food for thought?
For more information, see: http://www.livestrong.com/article/507428-can-you-eat-raw-quinoa-grain/
This was just what I found, if you have found more recent research indicating otherwise, I would be really interesting in reading it!
Best,
Dani
Emily Jane
July 9, 2013 at 6:49 am (11 years ago)I’ve just made a batch and it’s super delicious!! It’s cold, wet and miserable here at the moment so I was craving a little comfort food. I made mine with honey and was a little heavy handed with the shredded coconut. I also added slivered almonds and chopped medjool dates. I can’t stop eating it! Next time I’ll be making double portions. Thank you so much!! 🙂
Kim
July 13, 2013 at 3:36 am (11 years ago)♥ this recipe! It is so crunchy & yummy! Love from Belgium x
Romy
February 19, 2014 at 4:34 am (11 years ago)Wauw, I just tried it and it was great! So crunchy, I love the texture. Thank you so much for this recipe, definitely going to make this again!
Jaime
February 19, 2014 at 6:53 am (11 years ago)This recipe is super delicious!! I mix it in with mashed banana and pb. It adds the perfect crunch and is a change from my typical baked banana and pb oats. Thanks! 🙂
Emily
May 23, 2017 at 10:05 am (8 years ago)Does anyone know how many calories are in one serving? I’d love to know since I’m watching my calorie intake 🙂