Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and yet still many seem to skip it. This may be due to the fact they desire a longer lie in prior to work or simply have become used to not indulging before lunch. Eating breakfast however is the best way to kick-start your metabolism and will in turn give you the energy you need to get through the rest of the day.
Many cereals found in the supermarket are full of sugar and salt, which means buying organic is often the only way forward. A better idea of course is to invest in a few wholesome ingredients and make your own!

This simple recipe for granola is a great option for those who wish to up their omega 3 levels and once made it will last you up to a month.
Ingredients are as follows:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup unsalted, sliced, almonds
• 1 cup green, unsalted pumpkin seeds
• 3 tablespoons flax seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped unsalted walnuts
• 1 cup toasted wheat germ
• 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1/2-teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4-teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2-cup maple syrup
• 1/2-teaspoon pure vanilla essence
• 1-cup raisins (optional)
• Salt to taste, a pinch or up to 1/4 teaspoon

Once you have sourced all the ingredients you will need to preheat the oven to 325° F. Mix the oats, pumpkin seeds, nuts, wheat germ and seeds in a large bowl, then toss together. The next step requires you to add the raisins; if you are not a fan of raisins you could substitute this ingredient for another preferred dried fruit, such as cranberries or dates. Each substitute is equally as health beneficial and both are just as tasty! Add salt, cinnamon and nutmeg then stir the mixture together in order to combine all of the ingredients. Add the syrup and vanilla to create a thick texture and then fold the mixture until all of the ingredients have received an equal coating of the syrup and vanilla combination.

The next stage requires you to coat the mixture onto two large baking trays lined with parchment paper, as this will mean there will be no chance of the mixture sticking to the tray.
The final stage requires you to bake the mixture until golden brown, you should however stir the granola halfway through and switch racks for best results. After about 40 minutes cool completely by leaving the tray on the rack.

Once you have completed this procedure you can store the homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one month. The homemade granola tastes great served with either milk or natural yogurt and the best bit, it’s all natural!