I don't know about you, but I do not consider myself a "runner." However, this weekend I completed my second 5K and had a lot of fun doing it!
When I got home I was tired and needed a serious snack to that would supply fatty acids to aid in reducing inflammation, minerals to prevent cramping, and a little sweetness to rebuild my glucose reserves.
I pulled a few simple ingredients out of my cabinets and got to work - the result is by far my new favorite snack!
Pumpkin Spice Granola
1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 TBS coconut oil, melted
1 TBS vanilla extract
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp pink salt
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
Chop nuts, place in a medium bowl with pumpkin and shredded coconut.
In a separate bowl combine pumpkin, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and spices.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until evenly coated.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Evenly spread the mixture on the sheet and bake for 2-2.5 hours. Be sure to stir and break up chunks at least twice during the process.
When the granola starts to feel dry, turn the oven off and leaving the door shut until the oven is cool. This will crisp it up!
Store in an airtight glass container and enjoy!
Why I chose these ingredients:
Pumpkin Puree - great source of fiber and vitamin A
Maple Syrup - less processed sweetener option with some mineral content
Pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds - great source of fatty acids, protein, and fiber
Ginger - anti-inflammatory root, warming to the body, and aids in digestion
Cinnamon - anti-inflammatory, supports balanced blood sugar
Nutmeg - anti-inflammatory, supports brain and digestive health
Clove - anti-inflammatory, supports balanced blood sugar
Pink Salt - high mineral content to boost lost electrolytes