It’s probably the breakfast I eat the most throughout the year. This homemade chocolate granola recipe came from my desire to be able to eat granola every day without compromising my hormonal balance.
Because it’s sometimes difficult to find granolas in supermarkets that aren’t loaded with sugar. So when I discovered how simple it was to make my own homemade chocolate granola? There was no turning back for me.
The advantage of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your taste and enjoy it throughout the year (and your cycle) with seasonal fruits.
A granola that supports your hormones
If we can support our health and our feminine hormones with delicious food? Of course, baby.
Here’s a little overview of how each ingredient in this homemade chocolate granola can benefit your hormones:
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Whole rolled oats: rich in fiber, they help regulate blood sugar and therefore insulin balance.
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Almonds: a source of magnesium and vitamin E, they support the production of steroid hormones and reduce oxidative stress.
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Pecans: packed with healthy fats, they promote cholesterol balance, which is essential for hormone synthesis.
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Coconut oil: its quality saturated fats support the production of estrogen and progesterone.
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Cocoa powder: rich in antioxidants, it helps reduce inflammation and supports serotonin, which is linked to hormonal fluctuations.
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Shredded coconut: provides quick-assimilating fats that nourish the endocrine system.
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Chia seeds: a great source of omega-3s, they help reduce inflammation and promote healthy hormonal balance.
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Maple syrup: a natural sweetener that provides energy without the excessive blood sugar spikes of refined sugar.
When to eat this granola?
You can obviously enjoy this homemade chocolate granola at any time of the month.
But if you want to adapt your diet to your menstrual cycle, know that this breakfast (or snack) is particularly beneficial during the luteal phase (after ovulation and before your period).
Why?
Because it’s rich in magnesium thanks to its almonds, cocoa, and oats, which can help with irritability, fatigue, and even cramps a few days before your period.
Additionally, it contains healthy fats and fiber (from nuts, chia seeds, and oats), which stabilize blood sugar and reduce potential cravings during this phase.
Personally, I also like this granola for the ovulatory phase. It’s generally a time when appetite is lower and a lighter, fresh breakfast feels best.
In fact, you can adapt this granola to each phase of your cycle, especially by pairing it with fruits suited to each phase.
For example:
- Plums during the follicular phase
- Strawberries during the ovulatory phase
- Apples during the luteal phase
- Blueberries during the menstrual phase
To learn more about how to eat according to your cycle, check out this article.
Ingredients
For 10-12 servings
- 300g (3 cups) of whole rolled oats
- 70g (1/2 cup) of roughly chopped almonds
- 70g (1/2 cup) of roughly chopped pecans
- 60ml (1/4 cup) of coconut oil
- 1 tbsp of cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp of shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp of chia seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (rolled oats, almonds, pecans, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and salt). Mix well.
3. Add the maple syrup and coconut oil (warm it if solid) and mix everything, making sure the liquids are evenly distributed.
4. Spread the mixture on the baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through baking and gently press the mixture together if you want larger clusters.
5. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely (yes, not easy aaaah). Store it in a glass jar and enjoy it with milk, yogurt, fruit, or use it as a topping in other recipes.
Notes and Variations
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cocoa powder and maple syrup to your taste. Just keep in mind that too much cocoa can make the granola bitter.
- Replace the maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or date syrup.
- You can make your granola protein-rich by adding your favorite protein powder.
I really hope you enjoy this homemade chocolate granola recipe <3
