Bananas are not usually a fruit I go for. I love berries and apples the best, but occasionally I have a super high craving for a banana.
I noticed that my banana cravings usually hit when I am tired, stressed, or irritable. So I checked out some info on the big, yellow fruit and found out they are great mood food!
Why? The serotonin and norepinephrine in bananas can boost your mood and make you feel better. The vitamin B6 calms you and helps relieve stress. The magnesium helps your body recover from fatigue. (Bananas are even said to help alleviate PMS symptoms and hangovers.)
There are lots of other health benefits from bananas too. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and good carbohydrates. They contain no fat or sodium, but are high in vitamins and nutrients.
Plus, bananas are a super easy fruit to take along for a snack. No washing or cutting, just grab and go.
A medium banana contains 100 calories. They are also a starchy fruit. If you are watching your weight, limit your banana intake to one per day.
Here are some of my favorite ways to eat a banana:
PB Banana Boat
Slice a banana long ways. Spread a layer of natural peanut butter on the inside of one piece. Press the two pieces together.
Banana Parfait
Slice a banana into bite size pieces into a bowl. Drizzle on reduced calorie chocolate syrup. Top with light whipped topping.
Cocoa Banana Shake
Combine 1 frozen* ripe banana (minus the peel), 2 ice cubes, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 Tbs. Nestle cocoa powder, and Splenda to taste. Blend until smooth.
Plain Banana
Sometimes a plain banana does the trick. I like to eat one along with my Greek yogurt after a workout.
*A tip on freezing bananas – peel ripe bananas and put them in a zipper-seal plastic bag. Store in the freezer.
