Banana Ice Cream

Who doesn't love ice cream?

In addition to lactose intolerance, and dairy allergy or sensitivity, studies have shown that dairy can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, and inflammation in the digestive tract can lead to leaky gut. 

Leaky gut (increased gut permeability) can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health problems including skin rashes and skin rash flares, food allergies and food sensitivities, and clearly, gut symptoms.

To avoid the potential pitfalls of consuming dairy, a non dairy 'ice cream' may be the answer to your "I wish I could eat ice cream but can't because it upsets my stomach (and everything else)" prayers. For you, there's 'ice cream' the JCB Nutrition way!

• In a food processor, you can use any combination of these items or similar items

  • Frozen banana

  • Blueberries, other berries (not frozen if using frozen banana)

  • Almond or coconut milk (go lightly because too much liquid will make your 'ice cream' too watery)

  • Chocolate chips (dark chocolate or bitter sweet)

  • Nuts, seeds, nut/seed butters

  • Honey or maple syrup to taste (go lightly on added sugar)

  • Avocado and/or coconut oil

  • Coconut flakes

  • Other healthy treats

• Process until blended, transfer into a bowl (garnish if desired) and enjoy!

Jennifer Brand, MPH, MS, CNS is a clinical nutritionist helping children with dry, flaky, weepy, red, itchy, painful rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin and enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms.

2 Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Bananas are a good source of fiber and dopamine (the feel good brain chemical). They are a powerhouse of nutrients including potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate, and vitamins B2 and B6. 

If you are avoiding bananas for any reason (blood sugar, allergies/sensitivities, candida/yeast overgrowth, etc.) you can substitute cooked yams, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.

Eggs are a complete protein (they contain all the essential amino acids). They contain antioxidant nutrients (vitamins A and E, lutein and zeaxanthin), choline (good for your brain), vitamin D (bones, mood, brain), B vitamins (B12 and folate), selenium (mineral important for antioxidant enzymes and thyroid hormone production), and iron (helps your red blood cells oxygenate your tissues).

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana (or 1/2 cup of cooked yams, sweet potatoes or butternut squash)

• 2 eggs

  • If you can’t eat eggs you can substitute

    • Duck eggs, often tolerated by those that can’t tolerate chicken eggs

    • Chia seeds or flax seeds

      • Use 3 tablespoon of chia seeds, OR ground flax seeds mixed with 6 tablespoons of water and let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes or you can prepare it the night before

        • The rule is 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water is equal to 1 egg for baking

• Cinnamon, turmeric (surprisingly good), nutmeg, etc. if desired

Instructions:

• Put all in the blender, blend until it’s a batter consistency

• Pour into a fry pan with hot coconut oil, or butter or ghee (medium heat works well)

• Flip when edges start to brown (they cook pretty quickly so keep an eye on them)

• Top with berries, nut butter, etc., maple syrup or honey if desired (they are pretty sweet without adding maple syrup or honey)

Enjoy!

Jennifer Brand, MPH, MS, CNS is a clinical nutritionist helping children with dry, flaky, weepy, red, itchy, painful rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin and enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms.