Banana breakfast(S)!

Before I was a health nut...(I accept the fact that that is what I am)...on the rare occasion that I actually ate breakfast, it was usually something revolving around bananas. A banana is a quick grab and go food, but it also compliments just about any breakfast food beautifully. This week I've made several breakfast worthy goodies that all revolve around the banana. Although these can be made and consumed any time during the day, I prefer these meals at breakfast due to their high (but clean) carb count. Carbs should be consumed in higher amounts during the earlier hours of the day, then tapered off as the day progresses. If you consume crazy amounts of carbs late at night when your body is slowing down and preparing for bed, you will not be able to spend all that consumed energy, thus it will inevitably be stored for later use (as fat). 

Before I unfold my many banana recipes... here are a few things to know about the good ole banana:

They contain 5 times the amount of Vitamin A and Iron than an apple, and 3 times the amount of phosphorus. 

They are also super rich in potassium, which is kind of common knowledge, but do you know what potassium does for the body and why it's so necessary? Potassium is vital for circulatory health. It helps the circulatory system deliver oxygen to the brain, as well as regulates blood pressure, heartbeats, and water balance in the body. 

Need a happy pill? Eat a banana! Why? Because tryptophan is also found in bananas, which actually helps relax the brain so you feel happier. The amount of B6 they contain can also help regulate your blood glucose levels and stabilize your mood (particularly during that oh so friendly time of the month).

The special fiber in bananas regulates bowels, and even neutralizes acidity and can help treat and prevent ulcers and other irritated bowel symptoms. The high carb and natural sugars creates a natural energy without the sugar crash. They contain so much energy, in fact, that 2 bananas is enough energy to sustain the average person through 90 minutes of exercise! 

Now onto the recipes...are you excited? Because you should be!

I'll start with a quickie first.

Chocolate, banana, peanut butter protein oatmeal:

(Ideal for a post-workout meal)

Put 1 cup of rolled oats into a pot of 2 cups of boiling water.

Add a pinch of salt, 1 tsp of vanilla, 1 heaping tbsp of chocolate protein of chocolate protein of choice, and 1 heaping tbsp of natural peanut butter. I also added 1/2 tbsp of cacao powder but that is optional. Continue to cook, stirring often, under oats are tender and most of the water is absorbed (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in sweetener of choice, I used raw agave. Slice a banana to top it off, along with a drizzle of almond milk. I also sprinkled a chia seed, hemp seed, buckwheat combination on top for some omega 3's and added protein. Simple and delish, loaded with goodness!

Now onto the next... 

Banana muffins:

Ingredients:

(wet)

1 1/2 c of mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

2 tbsp flax seed

6 tbsp water

1/2 c coconut oil

1 c coconut sugar

1/2 c unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla

(dry)

2 c whole wheat or spelt flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1-2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

(add-in)

1/2 c chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325. Combine wet ingredients into one bowl. Combine dry ingredients into a separate bowl. Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing until an even and smooth dough forms. Fold in pecans, and allow batter to sit for 5-10 minutes. Fill greased or lined muffin tins and bake for 40 minutes.

Moving right along...

Banana waffles!
I'm usually a innovator and or modifier...but the ingredients list from the recipe from Oh She Glows sounded perfect, and as I always prefer, SIMPLE! And the results were just as flawless. I topped mine off with some raw maple almond butter, pecans, and extra bananas. Can you say YUM!?

My husband went the maple syrup and strawberry route. Can you say YUM, again!?

Now onto my new ALL TIME FAVORITE RECIPE...EVER!!!!!

Oh, and it's SUPER SIMPLE!!!

RAW VEGAN CHOCO-NANA "ICE-CREAM"

Step 1: Peel and freeze 3 bananas in an air tight container (for best result, you want to peel and freeze bananas when the peel is just starting to speckle)

Step 2: Once bananas are frozen, and you're ready to indulge in some guilt-free ice cream...throw your bananas into a high powered blender with 1 tbsp of cacao powder, 1 tsp of maca powder (optional), and 1/2 tbsp agave (again, optional-it's pretty sweet on its own). 

I used my vitamix and had to push and stir the frozen bananas down several times with the plunger. STep 3: Blend until you reach desired creamy smooth consistency. 

Seriously, the texture of this ice cream is beyond perfect. So creamy & smooth!

The possibilities with this recipe are infinite. You could add some raw almond butter for a little nuttiness (like, I need more 'nuts' in my life- PUN INTENDED), or add some berries instead of cacao for a strawberry banana flavor.

I spooned mine on top of a toasted flax waffle with a little agave drizzled on it....You could take this idea a step further and throw this ice cream on top of the Oh She Glows whole wheat banana waffle! 

You can thank me later for all of this amazingness in a single post;)

Happy healthy eating,

Nikki