It’s often difficult sticking to a healthy lifestyle when you have a sweet tooth. Here I have developed a delicious banana bite recipe and chocolate chip infused recipe which is suitable for all ages and full of nutritious goodness.
On the Ball Banana Bite Recipe
Bananas are the ultimate health food. They are high in fibre, low in salt, sugar and fat. Bananas offer great health benefits too – they are high in calcium, so great for promoting strong bones. Containing anti-oxidants, they are a great for combating those free radicals.
As they are high in magnesium they can help relax muscles and the Vitamin B6 too helps to aid sleep – making these yummy banana bites are the perfect addition to your pre-training bedtime routine.
The oats really do create a real belly filling base to these bites, leaving you feeling nutritionally fulfilled for the hours that follow. These scrumptious little snacks are a moist, yet sweet little treat, making them a fantastic start to an energy filled day.
Kids are more likely to eat healthier foods when they have been involved in making them.
Ingredients
320g rolled oats
65g sugar
40g stevia
2 large overripe bananas, mashed
250g Greek natural yogurt
1 tsp smooth peanut butter
1 tsp maple syrup
80g chocolate chips
Decoration
1 small banana, sliced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180c and grease a large baking tray lightly using rapeseed oil or similar.
2. Place the Oats into a mixing bowl and mix in the sugar and stevia.
3. Put the mashed banana into a large mixing bowl along with the yogurt, peanut butter and maple syrup then mix together.
(For a great fun filled gooey activity – why not get the kids to squish the bananas with their hands.)
4. Pour the dry mixture into the banana and mix well with a wooden spoon.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips (You could use dried fruit if you prefer).
6. Take a golf ball sized clump of the mixture and roll into a ball with your hands. (This is another gooey opportunity where the little ones can help. To reduce goo – hands can be coated in flour)
7.Place onto the greased baking tray and press each one firmly into a cookie shape with your flat hand.
8. Add a slice of banana on each one and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown in colour.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on the tray before moving to a cooling rack.
These wholesome bites are ideal for the pre-workout snack to be eaten two to four hours prior to a fitness session for optimal performance, or as a post-exercise glycogen replenishment.
A real favourite for the whole family to enjoy as a treat anytime, or great as a lunchbox snack to help prevent any afternoon hunger.
