Banana Oat Cookies

A balanced breakfast contains protein, fiber and fat. These cookies, along with a smoothie, can provide us with all of that to help keep our engines fuelled, prevent brain fog and provide us with energy so we can do the things we need to do.

Rolled oats are hulled, but this process does not strip away the bran or germ which contain most of the nutrients. And the more whole foods we eat, the better.

Oats are a good source of fiber and minerals. The bran fiber from oats are high in beta-glucan, which helps to lower cholesterol by binding bile acids and removing them from the body through our digestive system – more specifically, through bowel movements.

Bananas contain a soluble fiber called pectin which helps produce cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. For this recipe, you want bananas with brown spots because that means the pectins have increased which in turn helps reduce the glycemic index. Plus they taste better in baked goods. Pectins also act as the binding agent so you don’t need any eggs.

Dates are one of the best sweet and versatile foods that can regulate the digestive process. They are high in B vitamins, fiber, and natural fruit sugar but don’t spike blood sugar.

In all recipes, you need a complimenting ingredient to help balance the flavours and enhance others. For this recipe, we are using cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt. The contrast of the salt brings out the sweet flavours and the cinnamon and vanilla help to balance it.

Hemp hearts are the edible insides of hemp seeds. They provide essential nutrients such as protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins and minerals without adding an excess of calories, starches and sugars. A ¼ cup of hemp hearts provides 10g or protein.

Anytime using dried fruit, always make sure it is unsweetened and contains no sulphites. The sulphites are used to preserve the fruit but they are hard on our liver and cause allergic reactions to some individuals- especially those that are asthmatic. According to an article published in “Clinical and Experimental Allergy” in November 2009, between 3 and 10 percent of asthmatics experience allergic reactions, and those who have marked airway hyper responsiveness, steroid-dependent asthma or chronic childhood asthma are more likely to experience severe reactions to sulphites.

And what would a cookie be without any chocolate? With dark chocolate, the more cacao, the less sugar. If you are making this cookie to have at breakfast, I recommend using cacao nibs. The cookies are already sweetened from the dried cranberries, dates and bananas.

Helping to keep your engine nourished,

~L

Banana Oat Cookies