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INTRODUCTION
As someone who was recently diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and has spent the last almost thirty years of my life without any dietary restrictions, you can imagine how hard it is now to suddenly become ill to foods I had been enjoying my whole life. My journey to wellness lead me to create each and every one of these recipes featured on Damngoodthyme.
With the diagnosis of MCAS came hormonal imbalances, leading to hypothyroidism and PCOS. What I was unaware of at the time of these diagnoses, was that diet would play the biggest role in helping me achieve remission and lose the weight gained from all of the inflammation my body was under. I began to prioritize eating high protein meals to help with blood sugar imbalances. But, with any "diet" there should always be room for foods that you enjoy. With all the hype around Banana Nut Bread, I wanted to make a recipe that included all the warm and light flavors of the bread, but was still high in protein and low in sugar. Thus, came these delicious Banana Nut Protein Bites.
These bite-sized wonders are a perfect balance of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of nuts, all infused with a boost of protein to keep you fueled throughout the day.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup toasted coconut butter or sub almond butter for non-AIP
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
INGREDIENT SUBSTITUTIONS
Oat Flour: The oat flour can be substituted with almond flour, coconut flour, or tignernut flour in an equal ratio, however, I have not tried an all-purpose flour.
HOW TO MAKE THE DISH
Mix all Ingredients:Â Mix all ingredients in a food processor.
2.Roll into Balls: When well-combined and the dough has formed, spoon out the dough and roll into balls.
3.Place in Fridge:Â Place on a parchment paper lined plate or tupperware and store in the fridge until ready to eat!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What ingredients can I substitute?
The oat flour can be substituted with almond flour, coconut flour or tigernut flour however; I have not tried to use any other gluten free flours. Make sure to leave a comment below if you try out any of the other gluten free flours.
How can I make these Banana Nut Protein Bites AIP Compliant?Â
To make the Banana Nut Bites AIP compliant, the only thing you would have to switch is the protein powder that you use. Ensure that the protein powder is AIP Complaint.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Refrigeration: Place the protein bites in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This can help extend their freshness for up to a week. These are my favorite airtight containers.
Freezing:Â If you want to store the protein bites for an extended period, freezing is a good option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These are my favorite reusable freezer bags. Frozen protein bites can be stored for several weeks.
Avoid Moisture:Â Moisture can affect the texture of the protein bites, making them soggy. Be cautious about storing them in overly humid environments or with other moist foods.
Labeling:Â If you're freezing the protein bites, label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you use them within a reasonable time frame. These are my favorite reusable food labels.
Thawing:Â When ready to eat the protein bites, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Reheating them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes can help restore their texture.
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade donut holes at their best for an extended period.
FULL RECIPE
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