A Healthier Alternative....

I've been trying to eat as clean as possible for the past few months.  However, clean does not mean without any snacks!  LOL.  I love potato chips as much as the next person, however, check out these homemade sweet potato and taro chips!  I made them myself.  Actually, I make them and sell them, but that's another story.  While these chips are still deep fried, I get to control what else is in them.  And all I do is slice them up very thinly, deep fry them (I suppose you could bake them but I've never tried it), pat dry the oil, and season them with a little garlic salt! 

If we give up too many things all at once on our journey to health and fitness; we'll drive ourselves crazy and probably fail.  So if we're going give something, let's give up the preservatives and additives found in foods that we can't pronounce!  

Coconut Granola

This is an easy coconut granola recipe that I love to eat with greek yogurt and fresh fruits!  Great to have on hand for breakfast or a quick snack or to give away as a gift!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup of mixed nuts (i buy it from the grocery store because it's cheaper than buying everything separately)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup Lehua honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, mixed nuts, cinnamon, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut extract. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients. Stir until dry ingredients are well-coated.
3. Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread granola into an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes or until granola is golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes.
4. Turn down the oven temperature to 250 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 mins.  Let granola cool completely. Store in an air-tight container. Makes 12 servings

** Every oven is a little different, so  the granola might require a little less or little more time in the oven. 

Calories  204 cals; Carbs 25 g; Fat 11 g; Protein 4 g; Sodium 5 g