I’ve been eyeing some really cute bathing suits…and doing that just puts me in panic mode! I have to tell you, since I’ve started this blog, I’ve gained weight! Yes, my recipes are all healthy, but when you eat dinner for lunch (because daylight is best for food photography) then eat dinner for dinner, well, things start to get a bit pudgy. To make things even pudgier, I’ve been using that time I used to set aside for working out to cook. And of course, when there is cooking, there is eating!
So, I didn’t want to throw my body into shock or to feel deprived. I love sweets and crave them! This granola is the perfect healthy snack. Just be careful to grab a portion, close the lid and step away…or you may end up eating an entire jar of it! It’s addicting! Eat this just as it is as a snack, sprinkled on some yogurt with banana slices, in a small bowl with some milk or over some low fat ice cream.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola
3 tablespoons chunky peanut butter (I use a natural peanut butter, see Notes)
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup golden flaxseed meal (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
1/4 to 1/3 cup dark brown sugar or coconut palm sugar
pinch of sea salt
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment.
In a medium bowl, melt peanut butter in the microwave for about one minute. Add the oats and flaxseed meal and stir to coat. Add the beaten eggs, stir again, then add the brown sugar and salt. Stir until completely coated.
Spread the granola on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring things up about halfway through.
Cool the granola on the baking sheet. When completely cooled, add the chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container.
Notes:
- I stopped buying regular peanut butter about a year ago. Just read the label. It’ll make you want to stop too! There are so many additives like hydrogenated fats, salt and sugar. And forget those “low fat” peanut butters. They are even worse as far as additives go. Look for natural peanut butter and compare labels. Some people say they don’t like the taste of the natural kind. My family said that too when I first started using it. Now, they are so used to it, they actually prefer it.
- Flax is a great source of omega-3’s, fiber and has antioxidant qualities. Store flaxseed meal in the refrigerator or the freezer.
- If you love granola as much as I do, you may also like this version!
This granola is delicious! I made it for the first time last week, and I just made it again this morning…I’m addicted! It’s the perfect balance of a little indulgence while still being good. ; )
Kristin! I’m so happy you like it too! I know what you mean about it being addictive…we polish it off pretty quickly in my house. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Looks great!
Thanks so much!
The thought of bathing suit season is oppressing my soul! But you’re right…it’s time to get serious about losing some of this winter pudge! Love this granola for a healthy sweet snack!
Thank you Joanne! Having something sweet each day is the only thing that gets me by! :D