Over the past year I’ve been collecting recipes that use little or no sugar and I’ve been learning how to substitute healthy alternatives in recipes that call for sugar. I’m constantly looking for new recipes so if you have one you think I’d like, please send it my way or type it in the comments below so everyone can see it!


Here is a recipe that is based on one I found in a cookbook, but that I’ve tweaked so much it barely resembles the original. As you’ll notice, the only sweetener in the recipe is unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract and almond extract. If sugar isn’t an issue for you, feel free to add honey, maple syrup, or the real, processed white stuff. You’ll notice this isn’t a low-fat granola with all of the nuts, but keep in mind they are the healthy, unsaturated fats. I’ve found that I can eat a moderate portion of healthy fats and still lose weight, as long as I’m cutting out sugar. I’ve also found that this granola is one of the only things I can ever eat for breakfast if I don’t want to spend my entire afternoon scrounging for snacks and fighting mental slumps during my writing times. The complex carbs and proteins in this recipe keep me going all morning and help keep my blood sugar levels under control throughout the day. I hope you try it.


Kelli’s Healthy Granola

4 ½ cups oats (not the quick-cook kind)
1 cup unsalted cashews
1 cup raw almonds
1 cup unsalted peanuts
½ cup flax seeds
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup canola oil
1 Tbl almond extract
1 Tbl vanilla extract
1 Tbl cinnamon

Note: Feel free to substitute any of your choice of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits you like. Try to stick to the unsalted, raw variations if you can. I’ve also tried using coconut extract and dried unsweetened coconut, which is delicious!

Preheat oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts and seeds. In a small bowl combine the applesauce, oil, extracts and cinnamon with a whisk. Pour over the nut mixture and mix all together until everything is moistened. Line a large cookie sheet (with low sides) with parchment paper or Silpat, or spray with canola cooking spray. Spread the granola mixture evenly over the baking sheet and bake on middle rack of oven 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

To serve: Eat the granola as you would cereal, in a bowl with milk. It is delicious topped with diced apple, fresh blueberries, strawberries, banana, or any fruit you like! Or, top it with some plain yogurt and fruit. Enjoy!