Bananas

BANANAS

I eat at least one banana every single day.  I personally love them and thought what a great opportunity to experiment with the versatility of the banana.  They are high in vitamins such as C, B6 and iron.  Bananas help to regulate blood pressure and they also help to neutralize the body’s sodium content which in turn helps increase bone health.  Bananas are also high in fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system.  Fiber is known for helping you to feel fuller longer.  Bananas are good to eat before or after workouts to give you energy and refuel.     

Bananas are fat and cholesterol free and can actually be used as a healthy substitute for butter or oil in baking.  They provide moisture, texture and flavor.

Banana Chips

2 medium sized bananas

½ lemon

½ tsp salt

-       - Preheat oven to 175 degrees

-       - Slice bananas thin, no bigger than ¼ inch

-       - Lay on sheet tray

-       - Squeeze lemon and sprinkle salt over the bananas

-       - Bake for 1.75-2 hours or until crispy

-       - Cool, the chips will harden as they cool

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake

1 frozen banana

1 scoop chocolate designer whey protein powder

1 cup vanilla greek yogurt

2 tbs peanut butter

1/4 cup vanilla almond milk

-       - Put all ingredients into a blender, blend on high or until smooth

Steel Cut Oats with Brown Sugar and Banana Puree

1 banana

½ cup almond milk

1 tbs brown sugar

¼ cup steel cut oats

1 cup water

For the puree:

-       - place banana, almond milk and brown sugar in a small saucepot and simmer about 15 minutes on medium heat

-      -  place everything in a blender and blend until smooth

For the Oats:

-       - place the oats and the water in a small saucepot and bring to a boil

-      -  Reduce to a simmer until water is absorbed, 10-15 minutes

      Stir puree into oatmeal, garnish with fresh berries and banana chips