Banana Oat Trail Mix Bread – Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Everyday I try to bake bread made of whole plantbased ingredients for my teenage son to eat as breakfast and to snack on the whole day. He can eat the entire thing in one day. It shocks me sometimes but when I remember the ingredients, they really are like two bowls of oatmeal topped with dried fruits and nuts with a sprinkling of chocolate chips. Then I would feel good that he is really just actually eating healthy breakfast in mega servings.

While this might be made of healthy ingredients, for those of us who are watching our weight, we have to be mindful as they are still high in calories. Eat in moderation. Fresh fruits and vegetables are still best.

Banana Oat Trail Mix Bread

Preheat oven at 350F

In a blender:

  • 1 cup old fashioned oats (blend until it turns into flour)

In a bowl, mix:

  • blended oats (above)
  • 1/4 cup old cup fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup almond flour (optional, can be substituted with oat flour)
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, but healthier)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

In a blender (no need to wash after blending flour), blend:

  • 4 pcs medjool date (if dates are hard, soften in microwave for 20 seconds)
  • 1/4c plus 2 tbsps water
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (for flavoring but can be omitted or substituted with nut butter)
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3-4 tbsp nut butter

In a smaller bowl, mash:

  • 3 ripe bananas

Add Ins:

  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 chocolate chips
  • 1/4 coconut shreds
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • or substitute above with 1 cup trail mix

Mix wet with dry ingredients, then mashed bananas and add ins.  Transfer to loaf pan lined with parchment paper. Garnish with a sprinkling of trail mix and oats. Bake at 350F (preheated) for 55 minutes. Wait 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Easy And Delicious Vegan Pumpkin Bread

This is my 14 year old son’s new favorite. If I let him, he can eat this in one sitting. Which is surprising because I wouldn’t think pumpkin bread would appeal to a teenager but it does. This will definitely be a part of our Thanksgiving menu. The bonus is, it’s so easy to make.

Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Easy and Delicious Pumpkin Bread

In a bowl mix:

  • 1 3/4 c whole wheat flour (or my go-to blend is 3/4 oat flour, 1/2 c almond flour, 1/2 c chickpea flour)
  • 2 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp pumpkin spice (or 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 ground cloves)
  • 4 tbsp chopped nuts
  • 4 tbsp dried cranberries
  • *3 tbsp vegan chocolate chips (optional)

In a blender :

  • 8 pcs medjool date (softened in microwave for 20 seconds)
  • 1 c plus 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3-4 tbsp nut butter

Mix wet and dry ingredients.  Place mixture in a loaf pan. Bake at 350F (preheated) for 55 minutes. Wait 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

 

Cruciferous Salad For Weight Loss and Good Health

This is a great salad that is not only great for weight loss but uses cruciferous which are among the most nutritious vegetables. Think of it as a healthier version of coleslaw that you can eat as much as you want.

Cruciferous Weight Loss Salad Ingredients
2 pcs carrots
1/4 head Red Cabbage
1 cup broccoli
1 cup cauliflower
1/2 red onion
1 head romaine lettuce or 4 cups moringa (malunggay) leaves

Chop, mix, add dressing and mix some more.
*I highly recommend adding beans (1 cup garbanzos, black beans, edamame) or tofu to help keep you feel full longer. I personally always eat my salad with water sauteed mushrooms and onions. Mushrooms are good for respiratory health.

1/3 cup water
2 tbsps Apple cider vinegar
1 medjool date
1/2 avocado
1 /8 red onion
1 tsp Dijon mustard

Blend and mix in salad.

Substitutions

1 pc Medjool date = 2 deglet noor dates or 1 tbsp raisins
1/2 avocado = 1/4 cup raw cashews or 1 tbsp tahini or almond butter
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar = kalamansi, lemons or cane vinegar