Cereal is not a healthy breakfast food. As a general rule of thumb, if it comes from a box it is not real food. I am always suggesting my patients (and friends and family!) to eat REAL food. By this I mean substance from the earth…not from a factory. This includes fruits, nuts, vegetables, seeds, eggs, fish/meat/poultry, and WHOLE grains (meaning grains that you acutally have to cook…your whole grain bread in a bag does not count). My favorite breakfast is a green smoothie.

With that said I understand the craving for some crunch in the morning. Thus, a bowl of homemade granola. This recipe is not too high in sugar (as opposed to store-bought granola), contains seeds for added protein (and satiety) and good fat.

Gluten-Free Granola

• 3 cups GF oats
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup ground seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
2. Stir together honey, coconut oil and vanilla.
3.  Stir together oats, salt, cinnamon and ground seeds in a separate bowl.
4. Combine all ingredients.
5. Spread mixture in a thin layer on a cookie sheet.
6. Bake in oven, stirring after 10 minutes. Total baking time is approximately 20-25 minutes. Watch closely so you don’t burn!

For other healthy breakfast options, see my previous post, “Healthy Breakfast, Healthy You.”

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.