Crunchy Quinoa + Oats Granola (Low Cal/ Low Glycemic)

My goodness do I love granola. My favorite way to eat it is on top of a protein shake (I actually throw it in a bowl with the smoothie on the bottom and a few spoonfuls of granola on top). Kind of like an acai bowl. Mmm...

Okay, and here is what I don't love about granola... high calories and loads of sugar. It is ridiculous!
I have a really hard time having only 1/4 cup serving size of granola. ISITJUSTME?

I'm more like 1/3 cup- 1/2 cup kind of girl.

Therefore, the store brand ones don't really do it for me. I totally get that having your granola all fancy with coconut, dried berries, nuts, and other little crunchy thangs tastes really good. But the more you add in, the more calorie dense it becomes. Save those for a special occasion and try having it a bit more simplified. I promise it will be just as good. Plus, making homemade granola is so simple. Mark my word!

So here you go... 1/2 the sugar and 1/2 the calories. That's right.

And I got a little wild and added some quinoa in there for some more protein. Your metabolism and blood sugar levels will thank me later : )

 

Crunchy Quinoa + Oats Granola
makes about 3 cups

Ingredients:

2 1/2 C. old fashioned oats
1/2 C. quinoa
2 tbs coconut oil
1/3 C. maple syrup
1/3 C. apple juice
2 tbs. coconut sugar
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbs. chia seeds

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread oats and quinoa evenly and place in oven for about 10 minutes (to slightly cook).

Meanwhile, in a sauce pan warm apple juice and coconut oil until liquified.

Take the oats out of the oven and pour into a mixing bowl.

Add in sea salt, cinnamon, chia seeds, and coconut sugar.

Then, pour in the maple syrup, coconut oil, and apple juice and mix well.

Once you have your granola mixture (make sure to take a bite, you know... just to make sure it takes good). Spread it evenly over your baking sheet (that's covered in parchment paper), and place in the oven to cook.

20 minutes is the magic number for my oven, but check it at about 15 minutes. You don't want the granola to get too crispy, just a slight golden brown :)

I enjoyed mine with some goats milk yogurt and it was quite delicious, I must say.

Happy granola making!