The other day, I was asked, “If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?”

A million things went through my mind.  I mean, there’s this vision, this dream I have…to change the landscape of food options available to those living like I am:  either a GGF lifestyle (gluten free, grain free & soy free) lifestyle, or a Paleo lifestyle (GGF plus no dairy, legumes, or sugars).  If you want to know why that’s so important to me, you can read more about that at this link.

And then, there are the little things I’d like to change (selfishly), like traveling more, and taking more vacations and pictures.  (Insert shouts of friends who’ve seen my photo files…NO MORE PHOTOS UNTIL YOU DELETE!)

But I digress.

During my sessions as a personal coach, I instruct clients that they should shop the perimeter of the grocery store.  Seek out whole foods.  Stay away from the aisles where the packaged products are, there’s nothing there for you!

And for the most part, that’s the truth.

Why is that?  It’s almost impossible to avoid additives, preservatives, and fillers in grocery store products.  There are generally (sometimes) good reasons for that – otherwise, the food might not be safe to eat by the time it traveled from the production floor to your table.  

So, when I find a packaged product that meets the strict GGF criteria (gluten free, grain free, soy free, no flavorings, colors, or unnecessary added ingredients) and is Paleo, I do the happy dance.  When that product also tastes great, can be taken on the go, and supports the good health of my clients, I jump up and down.  When I have met the owners of the company, find out that their mission matches my own, and they utilize good manufacturing practices, I want to shout it from the rooftops!  
&amp

Gluten Free & Paleo Wildway Granola

The granola made by Wildway uses the finest of ingredients.  (I can already hear some of you asking, “Well, if it’s grain-free granola, what’s in it?”)  Each combination has a unique flavor and texture, and the hardest part of writing this review was keeping it available long enough to take pictures and savor the flavors!  

The granola comes in three “regular” flavors:  apple spice, banana nut, and coconut cashew.  They also carry a flavor unique to the season – at this particular moment, it’s summer apricot.

Reasons to love this granola (and I do!):

• High in protein and fiber
• Excellent source of omega-3s
• Low glycemic
• No additives, flavorings, or unspecified ingredients
• An American-made product, produced by people who care about your health
• Great snack for on the go
• Perfect to pack in lunches

Here’s the breakdown of the flavors & ingredients:

Apple Spice

Although I try not to play favorites, apple spice won me over from the first time I tried it.  I have a sweet tooth, and although that has calmed down a bit,  it suddenly woke up when tasting the lovely combination of dried apples, dates, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cinnamon, and sea salt.  This granola is great to eat straight, or to sweeten up something that’s bland.  Bonus:  The added cinnamon supports metabolism. 

Banana Nut 

The banana nut is a good, gentle mix.  I usually don’t like things that have a heavy banana taste, and this definitely has a gentle, mellow flavor from the combination of dates, bananas, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt.  This flavor could make a great “bowl of cereal” type of snack or topping for morning yogurt.  Perfect for packing as a lunch snack!  Bonus:  The added cinnamon supports metabolism.

Coconut Cashew

The mildest of the three regular flavors, I love how the coconut and cashew flavors compliment each other.  Together, they combine with a unique texture and flavor that is neither heavy on the coconut nor heavy on the cashew.  This one has dates, walnuts, cashews, unsweetened coconut, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sea salt.  What comes to mind is, “It’s just right!” 

Summer Apricot 

This lightly sweet granola matches its name perfectly.  The apricot flavor is unique and adds to the bolder texture in this combination.  Made with dates, walnuts, organic sun-dried apricots, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, fire roasted cashews, pistachios, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and sea salt.  If that sounds good to you, be sure to order it now, for it will soon be gone!  Bonus:  the added cinnamon supports metabolism.

I’ve really enjoyed using each of these flavors as toppings or just to eat as a straight snack. To place an order for any of the above items, click on this link and you will be taken to Wildway’s online store, where you can purchase your favorites.

~GGF Gourmet