If you’re unfamiliar with flax, here’s a perfect opportunity to experience the health and flavor benefits it offers. Flax has a mild nutty flavor and provides a great source of essential nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Try this Nutty Flax Granola recipe – it’s a tasty combination of rolled oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and sweet spices. Once it’s done baking, you can store it in an airtight container for 4-6 weeks.

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats
1 cup raw wheat germ
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup milled flax seeds
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
1/4 cup safflower oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract

Directions:

1. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; toss well.
3. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and stir well.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry mixture, stirring thoroughly to moisten dry ingredients.
5. Transfer mixture to prepared cookie sheets, evenly dividing it between the two pans, and spreading it to form a single layer; bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.
6. Remove cookie sheets from the oven, stir the granola mixture, spread it out to form a single layer again, and bake the granola mixture an additional 20 minutes.
7. Repeat stirring and spreading procedure, as needed, until granola is dry and golden brown.
8. Remove cookie sheets from the oven and set the granola aside to cool completely.

For this and other great veg recipes, visit www.VeganChef.com!

Packed with flax as well as other delicious seeds and nuts, Bumble Bars are certified organic energy snack bars. Unlike many snack and candy bars, Bumble Bars contain ingredients that actually nourish your body and are good for your health. Handcrafted with only the finest ingredients, these delicious bars provide an abundance of life-enhancing Omega-3 essential fatty acids, calcium, antioxidants, and fiber. They're ideal for a healthy, on-the-go snack or breakfast.

For nutritional and product information, visit www.DeliciousOrganics.com!

Flax, a grain that has been used for thousands of years in food and linen, is finding new popularity for its numerous health benefits. Studies over recent years have revealed its usefulness for a number of ailments, including heart disease, cholesterol, constipation, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and possibly battling depression.

Flax seeds and oil contain essential Omega-3 fatty acids, potent antioxidants that play a vital role in active brain tissues. Since the body does not produce these essential fatty acids on its own, they must be consumed as part of a healthy diet. As a whole grain, flax contains high levels of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an essential part of a balanced diet for the prevention of many forms of cancer.

Researchers recommend adding a daily dose of flax to your meals. Be sure to eat it milled or ground to allow for proper absorption of nutrients. A spoonful of ground flax can be added to a smoothie or sprinkled on breakfast cereal, a salad, or other any other dish.

For more info on the benefits of flax, click here!

As a personal trainer, Mike thought he knew just about everything about dieting and eating healthy. As he became more interested in competitive bodybuilding, he started hearing more about how vegan diets help to lose fat and maximize muscle.

When his friend gave him a copy of PETA’s “Meet Your Meat” DVD, Mike decided to go for it. He states, “After seeing the cruelty that animals raised for food endure, I couldn’t continue eating meat. That was the motivation I needed, and I gave up meat, eggs, and dairy products. Soon afterwards, I started losing weight, and I found that it stayed off. I have a very full schedule, and my vegan diet gave me all the energy I needed to get through the day and then some!”

Mike now participates in bodybuilding competitions and recently took 2nd place in a local contest. He makes sure to let everyone know about how his healthy, compassionate diet changed his life.

For more info on vegan bodybuilding, visit www.VeganBodybuilding.com!

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