My love for bananas can be traced all the way back to the beginning of banana time. And by the beginning of banana time I mean the infamous tune "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani, in which she spells bananas as part of her fabulous lyrics. If you are a girl born sometime in the early 90's and you DIDN'T learn how to spell bananas from Ms. Stefani's song, please come forward. I would like to meet your rare breed.
I am almost positive my sister and I could be found somewhere belting out "B-A-N-A-N-A-S" at any given time during Hollaback's peak of popularity. And thanks to Ms. Stefani, I now have the ability to write this article. Cool story, huh?
Unfortunately this article isn't about early 2000's pop hits. It is, however, about bananas. If you are anything like me, you might have a struggle to be healthy. Even though I know my health should be one of my utmost priorities, it often is pushed to the back burner. Especially when Dairy Queen is a thing. In my experience, starting my day with a healthy breakfast helps me make healthy choices the rest of the day. Except, just eating a bowl of sugary cereal or a chocolate covered granola bar seems so much easier than an egg white omelet. Especially when I barely have enough time to do my hair in the mornings. This is where the bananas come into play. Due to my incredible love for bananas, I usually have an overabundance of old, brown ones hanging around. I began my research and came up with 6 delicious (and healthy) banana recipes that will save time, money AND use up gross bananas. This is for you, my fabulous and very few readers, go bananas! I strongly recommend listening to Holdback Girl whilst reading this, just a tip.
1. Healthy Banana Muffinshttp://cookingwithruthie.com/2013/11/20/healthy-banana-muffins
This is my absolute fave recipe in the entire world! It is so freakin' good and dare I say, moist? The recipe doesn't call for chocolate chips, and if you are trying to be mega-healthy feel free to leave them out. But my motto is "A little chocolate never hurt anyone." I love these muffins because they use alternate ingredients like applesauce and honey to sweeten them instead of sugar. It's a pretty sweet deal. The only issue is, they don't stick around long. They're usually gone within a week. Just ask my rommies. ;)
2. Banana Oat Energy Bites (http://tiphero.com/banana-oat-energy-bites/?utm_content=buffer42869&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer
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Although these little bites might not be considered a breakfast food, they are perfect for recharging. Which is exactly what I need in the mornings, a good ol' recharge. They are the best if you put them in the freezer and eat them frozen.
3. Banana Espresso Chocolate Chip Muffins Muffins (http://www.handletheheat.com/banana-espresso-chocolate-chip-muffins/
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Honestly, is there anything better than chocolate and coffee? The answer is no. No, there isn't. Okay, so what if chocolate, coffee, and bananas were all in one MUFFIN? The result would be amazing. Guess what? It's real. It's a thing. ENJOY THIS WORK OF ART. (not really SUPER healthy, but just eat one I guess. ;) )
4. Two Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream (http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/two-ingredient-banana-peanut-butter-ice-cream/
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Do you ever just want to eat ice cream for breakfast? Because, same. But, ice cream is expensive and I already buy peanut butter and bananas in bulk. All you need is a blender and congratulations you can have a bowl of cheap ice cream for breakfast. (Okay, I know this sounds gross but I tried it, and promise it is good!)
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies (http://www.ebay.com/gds/Chocolate-Peanut-Butter-Banana-Cookies-/10000000205649421/g.html?roken2=ti.pVHJpc2ggUm9zZW5xdWlzdA)
Okay, I realize that cookies aren't exactly a breakfast food either. But seriously, TREAT YO SELF. Also, if you use Stevia (http://www.stevia.com/) in your recipes instead of sugar, you can cut out a lot of calories and still bake delicious goodies. Stevia saves lives.
6. Baked Banana Oatmeal Cups (http://www.themerchantbaker.com/breakfast/baked-banana-oatmeal-cups/
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Now, I realize that oatmeal isn't everyone's cup of tea. But maybe it is. In which case, you probably never have time to make it in the mornings because you're busy doing your homework that should have been done 67 years ago, or trying to find the outfit that you look the least dumb in. These oatmeal cups are perfect if the previous sentence describes your life. Super easy to make, super easy to re-heat, super easy to eat while driving like a crazy lady to class.
I realize that a lot of college students don't have the amenities or ability to make these recipes. But if you do, they are life saving. If, perhaps, you are not quite kitchen-oriented, contact me ASAP. I do commission work.
