The simple banana can get a bad rep for being a bit boring, we think there couldn’t be a bigger mistake!
Especially for all the gym bunnies reading this: Bananas contain a satisfying mix of low-GI carbs, vitamins, antioxidants and potassium, making them the perfect fuel for a gruelling workout. In a US study, cyclists were given either a cup of sports drink or half a banana and water to consume every 15 minutes during a 75 km ride. Both groups completed the course in the same time and had the same glucose levels at the end. The best part? A banana is easily stashable in your gym bag for a pre- or mid-workout snack.
They’re easy to create into a smoothie, sweet treats, and add to a breakfast bowl. Here are some of our top banana recipes over at W&H:
- Banana Chocolate Flapjacks: with no gluten (but no fancy flours either!) and very little ingredients, these are the healthiest and easiest yummy treat you’ll find!
- Strawberry & Banana Breakfast Bowl: the frozen bananas in this recipe create a thick creamy texture similar to ice-cream, even the kids will fooled!
- Green Tea Smoothie: bananas add wonderful natural sweetness to smoothies, even this super-charged super-green one!
- DIY Face Masks: a slightly different recipe, but a great way to use any fruit and veg hanging around, and who knew bananas were great for skin elasticity?
TOP TIP: When bananas are looking a little brown and bruised it really just means they are that extra bit ripe. The soft brown parts of the banana are where the sugar has concentrated in ripening. This natural sugar is great for sweetening up recipes and why they are often called for in banana bread recipes. Not a big banana bread fan? Through them in the freezer, they’re just as useful in the Breakfast Bowl and Smoothie recipes above!
