Cinnamon “Granola”
Posted by Mike Miryala on
Cereal is a favorite of mine, and it’s easy to miss on a low-carb diet. That’s why I’ve created this cinnamon granola recipe…it tastes like a special treat, but it’s really nutritious. Plus, it’s plant-based too!
Most Cereal is Not Low-Carb
If you browse the cereal aisle and start scoping out nutrition labels, you’ll quickly notice that most people are packing themselves full of sugar during the most important meal of the day.
Sadly, the granola that most people believe is healthy and nutritious often contains more sugar than the demonized kids’ cereals consisting of chocolate and chalky marshmallows.
Whether you’re looking at “healthy” boxed cereals or notoriously unhealthy cereals, they have one thing in common – the sugar and carbohydrate content is unacceptable for anyone on a low-carb diet.
Fortunately, this cinnamon granola recipe satisfies your sweet tooth.
Sweet Taste, No Sugar
Far be it from me to completely deprive you of something sweet for breakfast. I worked out a recipe that is sugar-free and sweetly satisfying.
For starters, I used cinnamon. This spice naturally adds some sweetness to your recipes, and it’s great for baking.
I also added coconut flakes, although they won’t add a ton of sweetness. Make sure you buy the unsweetened variety – the sweetened type contains added sugar and, in most cases, preservatives.
Finally, you can add either Stevia or erythritol to taste. These sweeteners won’t drive up your blood sugar like traditional white or brown sugar, so they won’t jeopardize your low-carb diet.
Cinnamon "Granola" offers several benefits when enjoyed as a low-carb and plant-based meal. Let's explore some of these benefits:
- Low in Carbohydrates: Traditional granola often contains high amounts of carbohydrates, mainly from oats and added sugars. By using a nut and seed base instead, cinnamon "granola" becomes significantly lower in carbs, making it a suitable option for individuals following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote overall metabolic health.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds, which form the base of cinnamon "granola," are excellent sources of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats play a crucial role in providing sustained energy, supporting brain function, and promoting heart health. Consuming healthy fats also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in other foods.
- Plant-Based Protein: Nuts and seeds are also valuable sources of plant-based protein. Protein is essential for numerous bodily functions, including tissue repair, enzyme production, and hormone synthesis. Incorporating protein-rich cinnamon "granola" into your low-carb and plant-based diet can help meet your daily protein needs and promote muscle recovery and growth.
- Fiber-Rich: Nuts and seeds are high in dietary fiber, which contributes to feelings of satiety and supports healthy digestion. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes bowel regularity, and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. By including cinnamon "granola" in your low-carb and plant-based meals, you can increase your fiber intake and support overall digestive health.
- Antioxidant Properties: Cinnamon, the star ingredient in this recipe, is known for its potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging. Consuming cinnamon regularly may have anti-inflammatory effects and support overall health and well-being.
- Versatile and Customizable: One of the great advantages of cinnamon "granola" is its versatility. You can customize the recipe according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Add in additional ingredients like unsweetened coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds for extra nutrients and variety. This allows you to create a personalized, nutrient-dense breakfast or snack that aligns with your specific dietary goals.
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Satisfying and Delicious: Cinnamon "granola" not only offers numerous health benefits but also satisfies your taste buds. The combination of aromatic cinnamon, the crunch of nuts and seeds, and the touch of sweetness from natural sweeteners creates a delicious and satisfying meal option. It can provide a delightful start to your day or serve as a satisfying snack between meals.
With this low-carb and plant-based cinnamon "granola" recipe, you can indulge in a flavorful and crunchy breakfast or snack option without compromising your dietary goals. By replacing oats with a variety of nuts and seeds, you create a satisfying base, while cinnamon adds warmth and a touch of sweetness. Get creative with your additions and enjoy this guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Fuel your day with this delicious and nutritious cinnamon "granola" that will leave you satisfied and ready to take on the world!
Cinnamon “Granola”
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (55 g) almonds, roughly chopped
- 2 Tablespoons (16 g) pumpkin seeds
- 2 Tablespoons (14 g) flax meal
- 1 Tablespoon (10 g) chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons (14 g) cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon (5 g) shredded coconut
- 1 Tablespoon (7 g) coconut flour
- 2-4 Tablespoons (30-60 ml) water
- Stevia or erythritol, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix everything together. Add water until things start to stick together.
- Press the mixture flat on the parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes until crispy but make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Let cool for 10 minutes and break into small pieces.
- Enjoy with coconut yogurt or coconut milk or as a snack by itself.
Nutrition: (Estimated and based on per-serving amounts.)
- Calories: 162
- Fat: 12 g
- Total Carbs: 9 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Net Carbs: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g