Grainfree Mindful Matcha Granola

Seriously I can’t get enough of Matcha Tea lately. It’s one of my favorite afternoon pick my ups and trust me, it makes a delicious pumpkin spice latte, (or try a simpler version here). These protein bites are one of my faves and often used for my long run fuel! And don’t forget to slip a teaspoon in your smoothie. You’re brain will thank you! I use it daily and it makes a GREAT coffee substitute so 5 Day Reset Fans, I promise you won’t miss your beloved coffee.

“Have you ever experienced “brain fog?” Tell me you’ve never walked into a room to go get something but then all of a sudden you forgot what it was you went to retrieve in the first place. Or do you sit down at your computer attempting to write an email and then suddenly the words come to a screeching halt.

Look at all this Deliciousness! Matcha Tea, Cinnamon, Crispy Nuts, Coconut Flakes, Cocoa Nibs…YUM

This kind of temporary lapse in fluid thinking is so frustrating…at least for me it is. For me mental sluggishness most often is from lack of adequate sleep or stress. For others it may be their chemical surroundings or exposure to toxins. I have replaced all toxic household products in my home with these products.

“Did you know what you put on your skin can also be harmful?” Check out my favorite personal care products that are way beyond natural. I highly recommend trying them! “Did you know they’re 100% guaranteed?” The Shaklee Difference is incredible!

I have also discovered it’s important to set a more reasonable bed time and to wake up about 15 to 20 minutes earlier every morning to allow more self-care time. Things like meditation, prayer, reading, & writing in your journal can be so beneficial.

Now lets chat about how diet can also hinder or help our brain function. Sugar, too much dairy & alcohol, artificial sweeteners, MSG, pesticide-prone and or non-organic foods can greatly diminish the amount of energy your brain has.

I have good new…there is plenty of brain-healthy ingredients to enjoy and that can minimize brain fog, or even prevent it from happening.

Boost your mind by including plenty of the FAM’s in your diet…

fats (omega 3’s, flax seeds, olive oil, MCT’s)
antioxidants (polyphenols in berries, turmeric for inflammation, EGCG which is in Matcha tea or Green Tea
micronutrients such as magnesium, cocoa, etc

Last but not least my coffee devotees. Do you’re best to cut back to avoid addiction. Seriously, just by integrating a few of these habits into your daily life, you’ll beat the dreaded brain fog and be much more productive!

This granola with all its deliciousness bits and pieces, is a life safer for a power breakfast or afternoon snack. I love it with my full fat almond, coconut, or cashew yogurt and a handful of organic berries! This is grain free and loaded with healthy fats, matcha tea, and other micro-nutrients. ENJOY

MINDFUL MATCHA GRANOLA

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes (not shredded)
2 cups crispy chopped almonds
1 cup crispy chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crispy pepitas
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup ground flaxseed powder
3 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tsp matcha tea powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut oil
4 to 6 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine coconut flakes, almonds, walnuts, pepitas, sesame seeds, flaxseed powder, cacao nibs, matcha, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
To a small saucepan over low heat, add coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until the oil is fully melted and the mixture is warm. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients, and stir until fully incorporated.
Spread the granola out onto the prepared baking sheet in a flat layer. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until slightly golden, tossing once halfway through cooking. Let the granola cool on the pan for another 20 minutes; it will continue to harden as it sits.
Once it’s at room temperature, transfer to a sealable container. Stored out of direct sunlight, granola will last for up to 1 month.