5 Ingredient Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are healthy and can be enjoyed guilt-free! They are made from just a few wholesome ingredients and are just sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Omit the maple syrup and chocolate chips and they’re a great breakfast or snack for your baby! You can get creative with the add-ins too. Try some peanut butter, walnuts, dried cranberries, vanilla extract, etc.. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 ½ cups oats

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl

• Make 10 rounded cookies and place them on baking sheet

• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm to touch at the center

Sweet Potato "Pie" Smoothie

As I was roasting sweet potatoes for dinner last night, I realized there was no more room left on the baking sheet for my final sweet potato! I’ve thought about trying a sweet potato smoothie for awhile now and thought this is the perfect occasion! I already had a peeled a cubed sweet potato, so I steamed it and then let it cool. I threw that in the freezer along with a small banana in preparation for a smoothie in the morning. Let me tell you, this is an IDEAL way to start the morning! This smoothie is creamy, filling, and tastes just like fall! There is loads of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied all morning too :)

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato, steamed, cooled, and frozen

• 1 small banana, frozen

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 3/4 cup almond milk

• 1 tbsp ground flax seed

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of all spice

Directions:

• Add all ingredients and blend until smooth. If necessary, add more almond milk. If you’re looking for more spice, add it in!

• OPTIONS: Add in peanut butter or almond butter or a pitted date for a little extra sweetness!

Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites!

These frozen treats are the PERFECT post-dinner dessert. They are cold and refreshing, and the frozen banana has somewhat of an ice cream-y texture. They are nutty, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet! Make a batch and store them in the freezer for an easy sweet bite after a meal!

Ingredients:

(makes about 20 bites)

• 2 bananas

• 1/4 cup almond butter (or nut butter of choice)

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

• 2 tsp coconut oil

• sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

• Line a large plate or baking sheet with parchment paper

• Peel and slice the banana into 1/4- 1/2 inch rounds

• Lay 1/2 of the bananas on the parchment paper. Spoon almond butter onto banana slices. Top with the remaining banana slices to make little “sandwiches”. Place in freezer for one hour.

• Melt chocolate and coconut oil on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly until melted together (or microwave). Remove from heat and stir in a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

• Take banana “sandwiches” and dip into the melted chocolate until covered halfway. Then place back in the freezer for a few minutes until fully frozen.

• Eat and enjoy!

Turmeric Ginger Smoothie

A tropical and nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory smoothie! This smoothie not only looks vibrant and beautiful, it tastes delicious and is loaded with beneficial ingredients! Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, is high in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. A pinch of black pepper helps your body to absorb more of the curcumin (you won’t even taste it!). Ginger is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, plus it can help fight infection and aid in digestion. There’s fiber from the fruit and protein from the Greek yogurt which will help keep you full all morning long :)

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup frozen pineapple chunks (mango works too)

• 1 banana, frozen

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1 tsp ground turmeric 

• ½  cup plain Greek yogurt (I like 2%)

• ¾ cup dairy or non-dairy milk

• Pinch of black pepper

Directions:

• Blend together and enjoy!

Strawberry Banana Muffins

These strawberry banana muffins are such a treat! It’s hard to believe they are only sweetened with a dash of maple syrup! Strawberries are now in season, so when ripe, they add just the perfect amount of added sweetness! These are baby approved, and parents too!

Ingredients:

(Makes 12 muffins)

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 3 eggs, whisked

• ¼ cup plain yogurt

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 6-8 strawberries, diced

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

• In a large mixing bowl, add mashed bananas, whisked eggs, yogurt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

• In another mixing bowl, combine almond flour with baking soda, and then add in the wet ingredients. Then mix in the strawberries with a spatula. 

• Line a muffin tin with baking cups and then spoon the batter into the cups. It should make 12 muffins.

• Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through

• Cool and then enjoy!

Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Snack Bars

These are the perfect snack or dessert for my fellow peanut butter lovers out there! They taste like such a decadent treat, but they are made from just a few simple and healthy ingredients! The peanut butter banana combo is tough to beat in my opinion. You can add in some chocolate chips if you want to make them feel a bit more special.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 cup almond flour

• ¼ cup ground flax

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• ⅛ tsp salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter

• 1 ½ bananas

• ¾  cup water 

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ⅛ tsp salt

Directions:

• Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper

• Add all ingredients for the crust into a mixing bowl and combine with a spatula.

• Using the spatula or your hands, press the crust mixture into your baking dish creating an even layer.

• In a blender, combine all ingredients for the filling. Blend until smooth and pour on top of crust.

• Freeze for 3-4 hours or until set. Then cut into squares and enjoy! Store remaining bars in the freezer in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Banana Bread

Pumpkin bread and banana bread are two of my obsessions. I finally decided that I should try a bread that combines the two and WOW is it good! This bread is moist, flavorful, and addictive. We make this and it’s gone within a day - but as with all my baked goods, I know it’s made from wholesome and healthier ingredients so you can enjoy it guilt-free!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour 

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 large, ripe banana, mashed 

• 3 eggs, whisked

• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

• In a large bowl, combine the masked banana, eggs, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and coconut oil.

• In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon.

• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones and stir well.

• Pour the batter into a 9x5 loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes.

• Cool before serving.

Pumpkin Pancakes

I love pancakes on a weekend morning and these ones are perfect for a fall day! These are made with a few simple and healthy ingredients so you can indulge and enjoy. Serve with some sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup or a drizzle of almond butter for some extra protein!

Ingredients:

(makes 6-8 pancakes)

• 1 small banana, mashed

• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/2 cup almond milk

• 2 eggs, whisked

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Directions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, banana, pumpkin, and almond milk.

• Add in almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Mix until the batter is smooth.

• Heat a pan over medium heat and add coconut oil to the pan.

• Add batter to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Continue this process until you’ve made all of your pancakes!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

This banana bread is such a treat. A small slice is a perfect addition to breakfast, but I personally enjoy this as an afternoon snack. Ever since I started breastfeeding, I’m always hungry and a quick slice of this bread seems to do the trick! And since it’s made from wholesome ingredients, I never feel guilty about indulging :)

Ingredients:

Made with my littlest helper!

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 1 1/2 cup almond flour

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• ¼ cup chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

• In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, coconut oil, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla.

• In another bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt

• Mix the wet and dry ingredients together and then fold in the chocolate chip

• Transfer mixture to a bread loaf pan and bake 50-55 minutes

Power Morning Smoothie

I’ve written a lot in my blogs and newsletters about how important it is to start your morning with a nutrient-rich breakfast that is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With this powerful combination, you’ll be able to nourish your cells after a night’s slumber and you’ll create balanced blood sugar levels, which will in turn help keep your energy levels stable and fuel your brain. This Power Morning Smoothie has it all - healthy fats (flax), protein (greek yogurt), and fiber (spinach and banana). Not only will It will fill you up and leave you feeling ready to tackle the day ahead of you, it’s delicious. The banana adds the perfect amount of sweetness and the greek yogurt adds a rich creaminess. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

(serves 1)

• 1 frozen banana

• 2 large handfuls of spinach

• ½ cup plain greek yogurt (I like 2%)

• 2 tbsp ground flax

• ½ cup almond milk

Directions:

• Blend and serve

Blackberries and Cream Smoothie

I am seriously addicted to blackberries these days! If you haven’t tried seasonal, farm-fresh blackberries (compared to those you’ll find at a grocery store), I highly recommend it! They taste much sweeter - so ripe and juicy! There are so many health benefits associated with these small, deep-purple berries, but before we get there, here is my recipe for a “Blackberry and Cream” smoothie. This smoothie is tart, sweet, tangy, and rich - I personally enjoy it more as an afternoon treat or dessert rather than for breakfast. You can sub in some blueberries too if you don’t have enough blackberries! 

Ingredients:

(serves 1)

• ⅓ cup coconut yogurt

• ½ cup ripe blackberries

• ½ banana

• ¼ cup almond milk

• A few ice cubes.

Directions:

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Blackberries:

• Blackberries are rich in Vitamin C. In fact, one serving provides 35% of your recommended daily intake!

• They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which help balance blood sugar levels and support healthy digestion.

• They are an excellent source of vitamin K, which we need for blood clotting.

• Blackberries contain powerful antioxidants that reduce the damage of free radicals in our bodies and support a healthy immune system.

Sources and Additional Reading

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322052#benefits

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/health-benefits-blackberries/

Carrot Walnut Breakfast Loaf

We love having freshly baked breads as part of breakfast in my household, and we typically rotate between banana bread and pumpkin bread. Using what I had on hand this week, I created a carrot walnut bread that is so satisfying! I love the added crunch from the walnuts and the warming spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients:

My favorite way to enjoy this bread - topped with an almond butter drizzle!

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour 

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp allspice

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 3 eggs

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled

• 1 large banana, mashed

• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with coconut oil.

• Whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice in a large bowl.

• In a separate bowl, mix together the banana, eggs, carrots, maple syrup, and coconut oil

• Combine the wet and dry ingredients and then fold in the walnuts.

• Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

• Let cool before serving.

Health Benefits of Walnuts:

• Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, an essential healthy fat. We need more Omega-3 fats in our diet to balance out the Omega-6’s in our diets.

• The Omega-3 in walnuts supports brain health, especially with memory and thought processing. 

• Higher amounts of Omega-3 in our diets is associated with more optimal mental health, and less depression, anxiety, and mood disorders

• The high Omega-3 content in walnuts is also beneficial to heart health by improving circulation, keeping arteries clear, and reducing inflammation

• Walnuts are also rich in a variety of minerals, including manganese, which is essential for reproductive health and to maintain a healthy metabolism.

Sources and Additional Reading:

• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-walnuts.html

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/walnuts-nutrition/

• https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Health-Benefits-of-Walnuts.aspx

Banana Date Breakfast Cookies

I call these breakfast cookies because they are made with a few simple ingredients that you can feel good about having first thing in the morning. In reality, they are a little sweet (with both dates and bananas) so I typically enjoy one of these cookies when I need an energy boost in the afternoon! Dates are this week’s ingredient of the week and I love having them around! They  are deliciously sweet and are a great way to sweeten up a dish without using any refined and processed sugars. I sometimes throw one into a smoothie, add them so salads as a contrast to salty cheese or olives, and of course I enjoy baking with them!

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 cups rolled oats 

• ¾ cup pitted medjool dates, chopped finely

• ¼ cup coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.

3. Use a large spoon to scoop the dough and place onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten the cookies with the back of your hand or a spoon so they’re flat.

4. Bake cookies for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let cool before serving.

NOTE: These store well in the freezer for a quick grab and go breakfast or snack! (best when heated back up)

Health Benefits of Dates:

• Dates are high in soluble fiber, helping to keep bowel movements regular

• They contain multiple antioxidants, which boost your immune system, help fight inflammation, and protect your cells from free radicals

• They are high in both phosphorus and calcium, which optimizes bones health

• Dates contain potassium, which provides our bodies with electrolytes and maintains water/salt balance

• They are known to promote cervical dilation and can even stimulate uterine contractions when had during the third trimester in pregnancy 

Sources and Additional Reading:

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/medjool-dates/

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates#section5

• https://www.mamanatural.com/dates-during-pregnancy/

Banana Walnut Granola

• 2 cups rolled oats

• ¾ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• ¾ cup coconut flakes

• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp ground flax seed

• 1 ripe banana

• 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled

• 1 ½ tsp vanilla

• ¼ tsp salt 

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, stir together oats, walnuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon, salt, and flaxseed.

3. In a separate bowl, mash the banana. Add coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla and whisk until combined.

4. Add banana mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

5. Pour onto prepared baking sheet and press evenly in a single (thin) layer 

6. Bake 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool.

Tart Cherry Sleep Smoothie

This smoothie is the perfect dessert or pre-bedtime snack! It’s full of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs so it won’t spike your blood sugar before bed. Plus, the key ingredient is tart cherry juice!  Did you know tart cherry juice can improve the quality of your sleep and help you sleep longer? It has been shown to boost your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Read more about it here! Try about 4 tbsp of juice before bed or enjoy this sleepy time smoothie!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup plain greek yogurt or coconut yogurt 

• ½  cup tart cherry juice

• ½ banana

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Handful of ice cubes

Directions

• Blend until smooth and enjoy before bed

Sweet Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

This is another great way to use leftover quinoa. This wholesome, high fiber and protein breakfast will truly keep you full and satisfied all morning long!

Ingredients:

(serves 1)

• I cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ banana, sliced

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• 2 tbsp toasted pecan pieces

• 2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut

• Small handful of blueberries

Directions

• Add cooked quinoa, almond milk, cinnamon, and banana slices to a small saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for about 5-10 minutes or until quinoa is warmed through and has absorbed the almond milk. Add more almond milk if needed.

• Place into a breakfast bowl, top with pecans, shredded coconut, and blueberries and serve

Alternatively (and if you have the time), take uncooked quinoa and cook it according to package cooking directions, with almond milk as the liquid.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Top with sliced apple, add in maple syrup or honey, chia or hemp seeds, pomegranate seeds and figs… you name it!

Pear Maca Ginger Smoothie Bowl

This energy-boosting smoothie is a refreshing way to start your morning! With maca powder, spinach, cauliflower, pear, and ginger, it is packed with nutrients that will leave you feeling nourished and ready to tackle the day ahead of you. Maca is an adaptogen (plant, herb, or mushroom that helps the body adapt to stress and to normalize bodily processes). It’s used to balance hormones, boost libido, and energy. The ginger in this smoothie bowl adds the perfect amount of spice and warmth, along with some powerful health benefits- it stimulates digestion, can improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Ingredients:

Trader Joes has a great, affordable frozen riced cauliflower that I use!

• 1 ripe pear, cored and chopped into chunks

• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

• ⅔ cup frozen cauliflower

• ½ frozen banana

• 1 cup spinach, packed

• ¼ tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

• ½ tsp Maca powder

Toppings (optional)

• ½ banana, sliced

• ¼ cup berries 

• ¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

Directions

• In a blender, add in all ingredients and blend until smooth

• Top with banana slices, berries, and walnuts

Health Benefits of Pears:

• They are a great source of vitamin C, which helps fight free radical damage in the body, promotes skin cell renewal, and boosts immune health

• Pears are a high-fiber food, which helps with digestion, can keep you regular, and can also maintain healthy blood sugar levels 

• They are full of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids (mostly found in a pear’s skin), which helps fight inflammation and disease formation

• Pears have a high pectin content, which helps our body remove waste and toxins

Sources and additional reading:

• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-maca-root#section7

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/pear-nutrition/

• https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-pears/

• https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-pears-health-benefits/

• https://chopra.com/articles/8-incredible-health-benefits-of-ginger

Pumpkin Smoothie

You can have this smoothie for breakfast, but if you’re like me, you’d rather have it for dessert! It tastes like a pumpkin milkshake, but you can fully enjoy it knowing there is no dairy or refined sugars. The banana adds a natural sweetness and the spices make this smoothie/milkshake taste festive and seasonal. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana

• 1 cup frozen cauliflower

• ½ cup pumpkin puree

• ½ cup and 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

• ⅛ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp almond butter

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth

Tip! Make this into a smoothie bowl by topping with toasted pecans, coconut, and banana slices with a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Almond Butter Banana Oat Bars

These almond butter banana oat bars are super quick to whip up, only use a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, as they are loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. I also love them for a little sweet treat after dinner. These bars are made with simple ingredients you can trust, rather than granola bars that are marketed as “healthy” in stores, but have a long list of refined and processed ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas

• 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

• 3/4 cup creamy natural almond butter

• 3 tbsp ground flaxseed

• 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Ready to go into the oven!

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 8 inch square pan with small amount of coconut oil or use parchment paper

• In large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Then mix in coconut oil, almond butter, ground flaxseed, and maple syrup.

• Stir in cinnamon, salt, and oats.

• Pour batter into pan and spread evenly.

• Bake for 25- 30 minutes and allow to cool. Slice into 8 bars.

Mint Chocolate Chip "Milkshake"

This is a perfect summer dessert or afternoon treat. An actual mint chocolate chip milkshake is loaded with sugar and most likely contains artificial coloring or ingredients, which can lead to unstable blood sugar levels and other negative effects on our bodies and overall health. This version is loaded with nutrients from the spinach, mint, banana, and avocado, but is creamy, decadent, sweet, and refreshing! I promise you’ll be super satisfied with this “milkshake,” and you’ll feel much better afterwards too!

Ingredients:

(serves 2)

• 4 cups spinach leaves

• ¾  cup of fresh mint leaves (or 4-5 drops peppermint extract)

• 1 banana (frozen if possible)

• 1 cup full fat coconut milk

• 1/2 cup water

• ½ an avocado 

• 2 tbsp dark chocolate (shavings from a chocolate bar or chocolate chips)

• Handful of ice cubes

Directions:

• Blend all ingredients (except the chocolate) until smooth. 

• Add chocolate to the blended smoothie and stir.

• Top with additional chocolate shavings

I am all about adding fresh herbs to dishes to enhance flavor, but also because they are packed with nutrients! Mint might just be my favorite one out there; I even have two varieties growing in my brand new urban garden. It has a clean and refreshing taste and can add a whole new layer of flavor to any dish. Read on for the health benefits of cooking with mint.

Health Benefits of Mint:

• Mint can improve digestion because menthol increases bile in the stomach, which helps us digest foods more easily

• Mint helps soothe an upset stomach because the menthol helps relax the stomach muscles.

• It can combat bad breath because the antimicrobial properties in mint can kill off bacteria in your mouth

• Studies show it can improve alertness and cognitive function; the scent of menthol stimulates the hippocampus area in the brain, which is responsible for controlling focus and clarity

• Mint can even help you overcome the common cold because of its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, but also because it contains menthol, which helps relax muscles, opening up airways and relieving congestion