Oatmeal Banana Waffles with Blueberries

Oatmeal Banana Waffles with Blueberries with pineapple and grapes because that's what I had :)

Healthy Benefits

Bananas are a excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Its unique mix of vitamins, minerals, and low glycemic carbohydrates has made them a favorite fruit among endurance athletes.  

Since bananas also contain tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine, they help prevent depression while encouraging feelings of well-being and relaxation. Additionally, the vitamin B6 helps protect against sleeplessness, mood swings and irritability.

Ingredients   223 calories per serving (serves 2)

1 organic banana (besides being a great source of potassium, it's also a binder)
1 cup of uncooked rolled oats
1 cup of water
1 tsp of vanilla extract
10 blueberries

Optional add-ins:
1 tsp Wheat germ
1 tsp Flaxseed

Preparation  

Place all ingredients in blender (except blueberries) and blend until smooth. Let it sit for a couple minutes to thicken.
- Pour onto the heated oil-sprayed waffle iron
- Add blueberries when batter in on waffle iron
- Cook for 8-10 minutes without lifting the lid. 

They should be moist with a crunchy crust. Add pure maple syrup and fresh fruit.

Ethical note: USDA Organic bananas have never been included in the “dirty dozen”. Organic farmers use natural fertilizers like manure and seaweed, and rely on insect predators rather than pesticides to keep pests and weeds at bay, whereas conventional bananas are sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. 

Organic is not only better for your health, it’s also better for the planet. Fertilizers and pesticides make their way into the soil and water and eventually the ocean. These contaminants in our waterways are leading to ocean dead zones and blue-green algae blooms that are so dense they can be fatal to marine animals and humans.

Note to vegan chef: Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and then add the blueberries.

Nutrition: (per 1 serving)

Fun facts: 

• Did you know there are ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs that depict people with bananas?
• Bananas have been around as early as the 6th century B.C. (this is when they were first mentioned in literature)
• The average American eats 27 pounds of bananas each year.
• Bananas are one of the few foods to contain the 6 major vitamin groups.
• Bananas are a very rich source of vitamin B6, which your brain needs to function properly and make you wise.
• The phrase "going bananas" was first recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary because of the banana's connection with monkeys.
• We buy more oatmeal in January than any other month of the year.
• Oats were known in ancient China as long ago as 7,000 B.C. The ancient Greeks were the first people known to have made a recognizable porridge (cereal) from oats.
• Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have oatmeal in their cupboard.

Reference: Calorie Count, Banana Fun Facts & Trivia, Ten Fun Facts for Oatmeal Month, Banana Nutrition Facts, Bananas, Bananas aren't part of the 'dirty dozen' so why buy organic?