For lovers of banana bread who may be trying to take better care of their health there is an answer! Your favorite easy to bake bread can be made in a healthy way so that it doesn't break your diet and still tastes just as good as always. The classic methods of making banana bread will usually include 10 to 16 grams of fat in one small slice. For some this can ruin their entire diet and take us completely off the healthy train. However, by changing a few ingredients with more healthy and natural substitutes can make banana bread a light, sweet, and healthy snack that is perfect to start off your day.
If you are seeking to make a healthy one, consider using some of the following healthy ingredients:
Whole wheat flour:
When compared to white flour, wheat flour is rich in fiber and protein. Wheat flour is also a great source of selenium, manganese and can even give you a little kick of energy!
Eggs:
There is plenty of protein, vitamin D and even amino acids with just one egg. Eggs have been linked to the improvement of eyesight, stronger hair and nails, and stronger muscles.
Bananas:
The natural sugars from bananas will add just a perfect amount of sweetness to your banana bread. Additionally bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and B6, and even fiber.
Walnuts:
Walnuts reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and have the much desired omega 3 fatty acids. There is even more fiber and more protein in walnuts, and vitamin B and E.
Natural cane sugar:
Natural cane sugar has many vitamins and minerals, and is much healthier than other sugars. Not to worry, with cane sugar you are not sacrificing flavor for health benefit.
Now, while you may be excited to make your healthy new snack, you must remember one important fact. Butter is not good! Adding globs of butter for a small slice of banana bread is defeating the purpose of healthy banana bread and sort of ruining all your hard work in baking.
Butter is a source of calories and bad cholesterol, so if you can avoid the use of it at all, more power to you! However, if you are like most, butter is completes a good slice of banana bread. If you are going to use butter monitor the amount that you are using, a serving size of butter is considered a small pat on a piece of bread, which is considered smaller than half a teaspoon. Also, using a light or whipped butter may help cut the number of calories you are taking in per serving.
Your banana bread does not have to side track you from eating healthy, in fact changing up some of the ingredients on all your baked goods can make it a little easier to indulge. Although this kind of bread is often used as a family holiday treat, it can also be a great treat for special occasions like parties and baby showers. And you can even shape them into small circles to make banana bread cookies. So next times you're in the mood for a little sweet taste of banana bread feel free, it's in your diet!
