Recipe: Rich Rich Granola for Postpartum Healing

You can make this luxurious and hearty granola recipe for your postpartum healing journey. It pairs well with almond milk for a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast that supports nursing. If you have a friend who has recently given birth, this recipe is upscale enough to gift a batch as a treat. You'll probably want to double it so that you can have some of your own, too!

Granola is a great snack to prepare ahead of your birth. You can freeze it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. You don't need to spend tons of money on brands like Purely Elizabeth to have a tasty, healthy snack. Its easy to make and you can adjust the ratios to your preference. Plus, oats are heart healthy, support your gut health, and can calm the nervous system.

Pistachios are high in fiber and help with bowel movements. Regardless of how you given birth, you'll likely experience a disruption in your regularity and nuts and fruit can help you get back on track. In addition, during birth you lose blood. Pistachios are high in iron and help to rebuild and fortify your blood. They're also high in protein so they help to regulate your blood sugar.

Cashews are similarly nutrient dense. In addition, cashews supply all of the building blocks for your brain: unsaturated fats, b vitamins, and antioxidants. Especially if you are nursing your new baby, you'll need all of those nutrients for yourself and for them! Cashews are also high in magnesium, which helps with bone health and muscle cramps, and may even help lower anxiety. Finally, cashews have zinc and selenium, which are both important for skin repair. If you experienced any tearing during birth, cashews can help!

Speaking of skin repair, dried cherries are filled with anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle repair. They are known for lowering inflammation and helping people sleep, aka great 3am nursing snack.

I add pepitas because they are the highest protein-by-volume nut or seed. I also enjoy the texture. Coconut reinforces all of the above support while also being a delicious add-in. Coconut supports immune health, brain health, and is high in fiber.

I could eat this granola every single day for the rest of my life. For me, it is all about the texture. Have I convinced you yet? Here's the recipe!

Rich Rich Granola for Postpartum Healing

4 c. old-fashioned oats

1 c. raw pistachios, roughly chopped into large pieces

1 c. raw cashews, halved

3/4 c. raw pumpkin seeds or pepitas (optional but for me, not optional)

1 c. coconut flakes or chips

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1 c. maple syrup (3/4 c. if you don't like sweet)

3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil

1-2 tsp kosher salt (I like mine salty!)

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 Tbsp cardamom

3/4 c. dried cherries, sliced

1. Preheat oven to 300F.

2. Stir all ingredients EXCEPT dried cherries into a large bowl mixing well to combine.

3. Spread onto a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. I use my silpat to avoid sticking.

4. Toast for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until granola is crispy.

5. Pour back into large bowl and add dried cherries (note that baking them will dry them out so I do not recommend it). Toss to combine.

Store in an air tight container.

Serve with almond milk, honey, and/or greek yogurt.