When stay at home orders first hit, everyone seemed to be passing the time by baking loaves of delicious banana bread. Now that it’s mid-summer, turning on the oven seems like the last thing many of us feel like doing. That doesn’t mean you have to let all those too-ripe bananas go to waste; they’re packed with potassium, pre-biotics, carbohydrates and fiber!
Banana Bread Bites
This recipe is ideal for grabbing with a cup of coffee when on the go or to fuel an endurance workout.
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick oats
- 6 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Add everything to the food processor. Pulse until a dough forms. Roll into balls (or use a small cookie scoop) and place on a lined plate or tray. Stick in the fridge for approximately 20 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nana Nice Cream Recovery Shake
These are thick, indulgent but loaded with potassium, protein and carbs to help your body bounce back after a tough session.
- 2 large ripe bananas, frozen
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice
- 1/4 cup oat or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut meat, frozen
- Pinch salt
Blend everything. If too thick, add a little more of your liquid of choice.
Yogurt Pre-Workout Pops
These are just enough of a bite to get you going, especially in the summer when you need a cool treat before training.
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 to 4 tablespoons topping of choice (chopped nuts, coconut, flax seed)
Line a small plate with parchment paper. Place a popsicle stick into each banana (you can cut it in half for smaller pops). Dip into/coat with the yogurt. Use more yogurt to do the entire banana, or just do the top half. Sprinkle with your choice of topping. Place in the freezer for approximately 1 hour. Take out and eat immediately! Store remaining pops in an airtight container in the freezer.
Elvis Enduro Sandwich
This sandwich is decadent if you aren’t eating it while you’re in the middle of intense activity. Pack it and stash it in your backpack for a camping trip or in your kit pocket for a long ride. The balance of salt, fat and carbohydrate will help power your body for the distance.
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 small banana
- 2 slices bacon, cooked
- Pinch of salt
Toast the bread if you want. Spread with the peanut butter on one side and smash the banana on the other. Sprinkle with salt, add the bacon. Smash the sides together and wrap it up tightly.
Banana Pancakes
These are perfect for when there’s nothing in your fridge yet you’re still starving.
- 1 large ripe banana
- 2 eggs
- Pinch of salt
Blend the ingredients together. Heat a small bit of oil (we suggest coconut for this) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the batter to the skillet. Cook for roughly 1 minute on each side. Eat immediately.
READ THIS NEXT: 10 Fitness-Boosting Summer Fruits and Vegetables
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article