Coconut Macadamia Granola
When I began this journey towards optimal health, I knew my breakfast routine needed a makeover. I knew I could do better, especially in terms of packing in more nutrition and thyroid love. I figured, if this is how I’m going to start the day, there’s a lot of potential to make a difference in my health.
I wasn't reducing grains in my diet yet and didn't even know I had Hashimoto's, but I knew food was part of the solution to why I felt so crummy all the time. So, I spent a frosty Saturday morning working on a thyroid-supportive re-make of an old favorite granola recipe, luxuriating in the warmth and smell of toasting coconut wafting from the oven. Coconut oil upped the flavor and the nutrition content, as well as chia seeds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Nutrition aside, this granola also has a major yum factor. It turned out crispy and toasty-golden, with just the right balance of sweet, nutty, and salty. Now, I have granola for days, a healthy edible gift option, and a gluten-free breakfast that does more than fill my belly.
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Chef's Granola Tips:
- Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be a common source of gluten exposure due to shared processing equipment. Be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- A low oven temperature is key in making granola that is both toasted and crisp, as opposed to tough and chewy.
- When determining the perfect degree of doneness look at the color. Granola will be sticky even when it comes out of the oven but will dry out and crisp as it cools.
- To avoid bitter flavors, do not over-bake or over-brown.
- I recommend a fresh tropical fruit to complement this recipe (like bananas or mangoes).
- Finally, plain non-dairy milk or yogurt is a better partner than sweetened yogurt for this honey-kissed granola.
Try this next! Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola
Thyroid-healthy Recipe Highlights:
- Chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber, and 18% DV of calcium per ounce. They are rich in Omega-3s and antioxidants and, unlike flax seeds, they have a long shelf life and don’t need to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body.
- Sesame seeds are a good source of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese.
- An ounce of pumpkin seeds contain 19% DV for Zinc. Zinc deficiency has been linked to thyroid disease.
- Macadamia nuts are a source of selenium – a key nutrient for thyroid function. It also helps reduce inflammation. Macadamias also contain vitamin E, calcium, monounsaturated fat, fiber, manganese, and other trace minerals.
- Oats, as long as they are processed on equipment that does not process other gluten-containing grains, are naturally gluten-free.
- Coconut oil has been touted for potential benefits to thyroid health, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, and even weight loss. It is high in healthy fats, lauric acid, and medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!
P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.
More Thyroid-Healthy Breakfast Recipes:
- Horchata Chia Pudding
- AIP Tiger Nut Smoothie Bowl
- AIP Zucchini Basil Breakfast Soup
- AIP Lamb Hash with Carrot and Celery Root
- Hearty AIP Breakfast Bowl
- Banana Orange Creamsicle Collagen Smoothie
