Tracy’s Banana Pancakes

One of my Team Blonde Runner (TBR) tri-athletes shared this with me.  She uses this as a race recovery food along with raw almonds, fruit and other proteins.  Enjoy (thanks for sharing Tracy).

1 C flour (1/2 white flour, 1/2 wheat flour)
1/2 C yellow cornmeal
1/4 C oat or wheat bran
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 C low-fat buttermilk or regular milk
1/2 C mashed ripe bananas
2 TBS butter
2 tsp honey
1 large egg

Mix it all together. Add fresh blueberries or strawberries over the top and use a light syrup. They’re yummy and filling.

Healthy Recipe: Lora’s Simple Kale

So, the kale I made last night for dinner was a big hit – even with the kids. All but one of my four children asked for seconds of the “kelp” LOL

Here’s what I did.

I took a few pounds of kale and removed the ribs and then coarsely chopped them and sautéed them lightly in canola oil and steamed them covered in about a cup of water for a few minutes (just until they turn a bright green). I think it took about 2 or 3 minutes. Then I thinly slices about 5-6 peeled cloves of fresh garlic and added a dash of salt and pepper. I continued to steam them covered over low heat for 13 or so minutes and added a splash of red wine vinegar just before I served them. The only trouble is I should have made twice as much. My kids LOVED it – and the best part is – it’s healthy!

Keep Cookin’ Healthy,

Coach Lora Erickson

aka “Mom”

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is knows as one of the superfoods because of its great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its cholesterol-lowering benefits. Kale is considered a cruciferous vegetable (as is cabbage and broccoli) and should be part of your weekly diet. Most people steam it which enhances its cholesterol-lowering ability. Kale is packed with vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C along with many other nutrients such as manganese, calcium, and potassium. It is also a really good source of many B vitamins along with providing natural fiber. Kale is also well known for its anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates. Be sure and include it in your diet weekly.