This delicious, crunchy Grain Free Granola recipe is taken from my new book Eat Right, Balance Hormones which helps you uncover the root cause of hormonal imbalances and shows how you can adjust your diet in order to achieve a better balance.
Ingredients
- 50g Pecans
- 30g Hazelnuts
- 35g Flaked Coconut
- 20g Pumpkin seeds
- 15g Sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp Chia seeds
- 2 tbsp Milled flax seed
- 1 tbsp Coconut oil, melted
- 1.5 tbsp Maple Syrup
Method
- Preheat the oven to 150ºC.
- Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl then pour over the melted coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Tip onto a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden. Leave to cool then store in an airtight container.
Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are particularly beneficial during perimenopause due to their rich nutrient profiles that support hormonal balance and overall health. Pumpkin seeds are a valuable source of magnesium, essential for bone health, sleep regulation, and mood stabilisation, which can be particularly helpful in managing perimenopausal symptoms like sleep disturbances and mood swings. They also contain zinc, which supports immune function, and phytoestrogens, which may help in balancing fluctuating hormone levels. Sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that is crucial for managing hot flashes and maintaining cardiovascular and skin health during perimenopause. Additionally, the healthy fats found in sunflower seeds support overall well-being. Together, these seeds offer a combination of nutrients that can address several common concerns associated with perimenopause, including hormonal imbalances, sleep issues, and bone health.
