Of all the ways to use bananas, some of the best are also some of the healthiest for you. Forget the myth that bananas are bad for you because they're high in sugar. Bananas are one of the best fruits you can eat for many reasons. I do suggest sticking with ripe bananas (the one with the brown spots) since they're easier to digest, more flavorful, and more nutritious than bright yellow or slightly green bananas. As fruit ripens, the antioxidant content actually improves a good bit. That being said, next time you have some brown bananas lying around,be sure to take advantage of some ways to use bananas instead of tossing them in the trash. Bananas are deliciously sweet and provide you with fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and magnesium to keep you feeling your best!
Everyone knows that one of the best ways to use bananas is by freezing them once they're nice and ripe. All you need to do is slice them or cut them in half, place in a Ziploc baggie that's freezer safe, and store for later use for up to six months. You can use these to make fat-free ice cream, add them to smoothies, or even just eat them frozen right out of the bag as a healthy snack.
When you freeze bananas, they develop a creamy texture that makes them perfect for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, often called "nice cream." Simply blend the frozen banana pieces until they reach a soft-serve consistency. For a flavor boost, mix in other fruits, nut butter, or a splash of vanilla extract. Frozen bananas also lend a thick, creamy texture to smoothies without the need for yogurt or ice cream. Plus, they're naturally sweet, so you can forego adding extra sugars or sweeteners. It’s a wonderful way to add nutrition and sweetness without the guilt.
Slice a ripe banana and top your oatmeal or a bowl of quinoa with it. This is one of the most comforting meals you can imagine if you haven't already had it. If you're not a fan of oatmeal or quinoa, do what I do instead: I take a scoop of Vega One Vanilla Chai nutritional shake, add almond milk, coconut flour, and flax seed and stir all that up with a mashed, ripe banana for my own version of a healthy cereal.
Oil is an unnecessary source of fats and can cause you to gain weight quickly if you're not careful. You can use mashed ripe bananas as a replacement for oil (and even butter and eggs) in any baked good you make. For instance, any time your favorite muffin recipe calls for oil, just sub out the equivalent amount with mashed banana instead. Banana bread, anyone?
I grew up eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and will never forget how much I enjoyed them. If you haven't tried this out yet, definitely do so! Use any type of nut butter you like and some freshly sliced or mashed bananas. To make it even healthier, use unsweetened organic nut butter and sprouted grain bread.
Most people know that eating fruits is important for their health but some people find it can get expensive quickly depending on how much you eat. Bananas are the perfect answer - they're inexpensive even in organic form, making them a wonderful fruit choice to add to your meals and snacks.
Have you ever heard of apple butter? Why not try banana butter? Take a whole bunch of ripe bananas and puree them. Then add them to your slow-cooker with some cinnamon, ginger, and a dash of nutmeg and vanilla extract. Cook on low for 8 hours and you'll have a delicious new fruit butter to enjoy as a topper for toast, oatmeal, or as a replacement to jam on sandwiches.
Those traditional banana puddings you grew up loving aren't so healthy for you. You can make a much more nutritional version by pureeing ripe bananas with some unsweetened vanilla almond milk, chia seeds,liquid stevia, and oat fiber or coconut flour. As the textures and flavors of these ingredients meld together, the result is absolutely impeccable!
Do you have any other ideas for ways to use bananas?
Sources: myvega.com, foodmatters.tv