Upgrade traditional comfort foods that carry a health 'halo' to nutrient-packed superfoods tand beat inflammation associated with hyper-processed ingredients (aka junk food!)

I loved discovering grain-free granola. Eating granola without grains in the ingredient list is my preference now. I feel lighter after eating it, and it offers me considerably more staying power (sustained energy) until my next meal. When feeling adventurous, I like to make my own granola with minimal ingredients including unrefined coconut oil. This granola is delicious over fresh berries and yogurt.

HOMEDMADE GRAIN-FREE GRANOLA

⅔ cup Brazil nuts

⅓ cup pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons chia seeds

⅓ cup ground flaxseeds (I like hemp seeds as well)

⅔ cup pecans

¼ cup coconut flakes

⅓ cup raisins

5 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

4 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 180°F. 2. Chop Brazil nuts and pecans in a food processor. Mix in a bowl with all the other nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes. 3. Combine melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well-coated. 4. Place in the oven to cook for 30 minutes.

(Hormone Balancing Granola courtesy Dr. William Cole via Mind Body Green)

And if you don't feel like preparing Grain-free granola at home , my current favorite grain-less granola on store shelves from Paleonola tastes it like it came from your oven!

Who can resist a healthy breakfast that resembles a soft-serve bowl of ice cream?

I add Paleonola religiously to my morning bowls with dairy-free yogurt and frozen/fresh/dried fruit depending upon the season. Plant perfect.