I’m Going Bananas

I often hear people saying that they try to avoid bananas when they are trying to lose weight because they are higher in calories and sugar as compared to other fruits.

I have to say that that is just bananas!

These delicious yellow fruits have so many health benefits and, like most other foods, are fine to eat in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

So What’s the A-Peel of Bananas?

Not only are bananas delicious and in-season right now but they are also loaded with key nutrients! I think the most obvious nutrient that you most probably know is found in bananas is potassium. They’re even sometimes called the “potassium stick.” One medium bananas contains about 12% of the DRI for potassium per day. Did you know that potassium could actually help lower your blood pressure and maintain your heart function?

Another great thing about bananas is that they are a great source of fiber and fiber is one of the most under consumed nutrients in America. One medium banana contains about 12% of the DRI for fiber per day. For this reason, and because they are loaded with electrolytes, bananas represent the “B” in the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet is a binding, plain diet recommended for those suffering from diarrhea, nausea, or an upset stomach. The fiber can help bind you up while the electrolytes can replenish your lost stores.

Brown Bananas? No Problem

One problem with buying a bunch of bananas is that they all seem to ripen at the same time. That is because they produce ethylene gas, which helps speed up the ripening process when fruit is placed in close quarters with one another.

So what do you do with all those brown bananas?

Separate the bananas prior to ripening, which will help them from ripening as fast.
Peel the ripe bananas, slice them up, portion them into baggies, and freeze them. Now you can take those frozen banana slices and blend them into your next smoothie.
Make some overnight oats with a ripe banana. Mash one ripe banana with 1/3 cup of old fashioned oats, 1/3 cup of almond milk, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, a dash of cinnamon, and a handful of walnuts. Mix them together and put it in the fridge overnight. In the morning you will have a nutritious and delicious breakfast on the go!

Your turn to take action: Get creative with your overripe bananas. Try a new recipe and post it in the comments below!