From balancing blood sugar levels to improving digestion, bananas are a true nutrient powerhouse. Reap the benefits of this antioxidant-rich superfood with these delicious macro-friendly snacks using bananas.
Over the years, a plethora of scientific research has been conducted on the various health benefits of bananas.
Lectin, a protein that is found in bananas, has been linked to inhibiting cancer cell growth. The research further states that lectins in banana also promotes macrophage activities.
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Another research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology links banana and orange juice consumption in children to reduced risks of childhood leukemia. The anti-cancerous benefits of bananas can be attributed to their high antioxidant content.
Banana is rich in potassium- one medium-sized banana contains 422 mg of potassium. Potassium is critical for heart and nerve health. It may also help reduce the risks of kidney stones.
Banana is a nutrient powerhouse – it contains 33% of the RDI of Vitamin B6, 10% of Copper’s RDI, 11% of Vitamin C’s RDI, and 9% of potassium’s RDI.
Explore our other articles on the IIFYM diet for more macro-friendly snack recipes that use bananas.
Delicious Macro-Friendly Snacks Using Bananas
1. Three Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread Bars
This is a vegan, gluten-free, macro-friendly snack recipe. This is also a flour-free recipe, ideal for those with IBS and other digestive issues.
However, it does use rolled oats, which everyone with IBS may not well tolerate.
Consult with your physician for proper guidance on how you can incorporate small portions of oats into your diet. The paleo option replaces the gluten-free rolled oats with almond meal and peanut butter with almond butter.
This macro-friendly snack using bananas sure makes for a guilt-free indulgence.
2. Macro-Friendly Banana Protein Muffins
Store-bought muffins are typically loaded with sugar, offering little to no nutritional value. They can end up wreaking havoc on your macro count.
However, this healthy macro-friendly recipe is rich in protein, low in sugar, gluten-free, and uses coconut oil that has been known to boost heart health and bolster fat burning in the body.
To make this recipe vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg, honey with maple syrup, and use vegan protein powder. This is a low-calorie banana recipe.
3. Low-Calorie Banana Bread
An easy-to-bake alternative to the traditional high-calorie banana bread recipe. This macro-friendly snack using bananas has just 74 calories, 1g fat per slice, and takes just 30 minutes to make.
It can also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for two to three months. This is a low-calorie banana recipe.
- 2 Grams Protein
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4. Peanut Butter Banana Protein Muffins
This is a macro-friendly, gluten-free, healthy bake that takes just 17 minutes to make. The recipe uses peanut butter that is filled with oleic acid, which is rich in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.
Oleic acid has also been linked to improved insulin sensitivity. Peanut butter is also rich in biotin, niacin, and manganese.
5. Protein Banana Split
The perfect macro-friendly, protein-rich snack to indulge in after a heavy session at the gym! The recipe uses blueberries and strawberries- both known to have very high levels of antioxidant content.
It also uses dark chocolate, another antioxidant-rich food.
This maco-friendly snack using bananas is easy to prepare and requires no cooking or refrigeration.
6. Almond Butter Banana Protein Balls
This macro-friendly, easy healthy banana snack recipe is vegan, paleo, gluten-free and grain-free. It takes just 15 minutes to make and is protein-fat-carb balanced.
7. Zucchini Banana Bread
Zucchini is a superfood filled with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strengthen bones.
The recipe also uses healthy whole wheat flour and coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is rich in iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also contains fiber inulin that helps lower blood sugar spikes.
This macro-friendly snack using bananas can be kept in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.
8. Macro-Friendly Banana Smoothie
This recipe uses flaxseed which a great vegan source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds have a lower omega 6 to omega 3 ratio. Flaxseeds are rich in vitamins and minerals like Thiamine, Copper, Molybdenum, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.
It also contains other beneficial compounds such as p-Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid, cyanogenic glycosides, phytosterols, and lignans.
This is a healthy no-sugar banana snack, except for the natural sugars in bananas.
9. Four Ingredient Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Freezer Treats
At just 46 calories per serve, this is easy to make a macro-friendly snack using a banana. These can also be stored in the freezer for three to four months, so you can easily use them as a quick grab-and-go snack.
This is a quick and easy, healthy banana snack
10. Macro-Friendly Mango Banana Smoothie
A simple three-ingredient smoothie that takes just five minutes to prepare and has just 141 calories per serve. You can top this delicious smoothie with fresh mango, blueberries, coconut chips, chopped pistachios, and chia seeds.
This smoothie can make a healthy, macro-friendly snack using bananas.
11. Macro-Friendly Banana Cake
A delicious macro-friendly snack using banana- with each slice, clocking in just 90 calories and 0.75g fat. This healthy banana recipe for weight loss is every IIFYM diet aficionado’s dream come true.
Bite into this delectable, juicy snack without disrupting your daily macro limit.
This is an easy healthy banana snack with no added sugar. This is also a low-calories banana recipe.
12. Macro-Friendly Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This low-calorie banana recipe can be made in three variants: milk, dairy-free, and high protein.
The dairy-free version merely substitutes the milk in the recipe with any non-dairy milk like almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk.
You can add Greek Yogurt or any nut butter (like almond butter) to increase the protein content of this easy healthy banana snack.
13. Banana Bread Protein Granola
A macro-friendly snack using bananas, which is also vegan and gluten-free. This recipe uses avocado oil which is filled with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids
This easy healthy banana snack can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months.
14. Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
This easy banana recipe takes just five minutes to make and is highly nutritious. It is also a no sugar fresh banana snack and comprises only the natural sugars in the bananas.
15. Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl
This delicious and healthy banana recipe is high in protein. You can use half the ingredients’ measurement for a lesser quantity of this macro-friendly snack recipe using bananas.
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