More Muesli Please!

I never thought I would find a healthy snack I liked as much as these banana oat muffins, but the day has come. My favorite banana oat muffins have met their match with homemade muesli. Muesli is very similar to granola, but contains less sugar and calories. You can find it at grocery stores, but I would strongly advise you to make your own. Store bought muesli can be full of sugar and additives, so the 15 minutes it will take you to make your own will be well worth it!

In addition to its great taste, homemade muesli has many health benefits (the winning combo!). Here are just a few of its many health benefits:

1. Muesli is a quick and easy breakfast. If you find that you are always in a rush in the morning and don’t have time for breakfast, muesli is a quick solution for you. Skipping breakfast usually results in not meeting the daily nutritional requirements your body needs. Muesli contains a high amount of (healthy) calories, which will keep you from feeling hungry throughout the day. Spare five minutes before you head out the door and eat it as a less-sugary alternative to cereal or take a single-serving portion when you’re on-the-go.

2. Muesli is a great snack. Having a small, healthy snack mid-morning and mid-day can boost your energy and increase work productivity. The worst thing you can do is eat those donuts in the break room at 2pm and crash from the sugar… just as you are trying to wrap up your day’s work. Muesli will give you the energy you need throughout the day to keep your concentration and alertness high. Eat it dry or mix it in with a yogurt to conquer that snack attack!

3. Muesli is a heart-healthy food. The oats are high in fiber, which is great for your digestive system. Fiber also aids in weight loss through absorbing water and occupying more space in your stomach to make you feel more full, whereas potato chips have the infamous reputation of leaving you wanting more. Muesli also contains B vitamins, which helps break down fat in your body and quicken fat metabolism. The nuts provide a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and the milk/yogurt that usually accompanies muesli is a source of dairy and protein.

There are many variations to muesli recipes , but here is a basic one to follow.

Ingredients

2 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia, etc.)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1/2 cup dried fruit* (cranberries, raisins, apricots, etc.)
1 TBSP raw honey
1 TBSP pure maple syrup
1 TBSP melted coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 small pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon

* Limit the amount of dried fruit to keep the sugar amount low. Use unsweetened coconut flakes in for a sweet, less sugary alternative.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F
2. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, coating all the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
3. Spread the mixture into a very thin layer on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden or to your liking; stir halfway through
5. Cool and store in a air tight container or glass jar for up to two weeks.

I’d highly recommend making a double batch while you’re at it… you won’t regret it! Enjoy!

Muesli Photoshoot Outtakes- because they are just too ridiculous not to share.