Eating a clean diet means chucking all the processed and sugar laden foods out of your pantry. While your body will thank you for it, your brain may not be totally on board. Most of us have, at some point in time, used food as a reward. For me, it’s hardwired. If I had to clean up a baby covered in permanent marker, some of which will forever be on my bedspread, I will automatically want doughnuts and ice cream.
There is nothing that lights up your brain like the ingestion of sugar…well…except drugs. Sugar strengthens your short term reward system, causing the feel good hormone Dopamine to be released into your bloodstream. Seriously guys, this is exactly how addiction works! Just like with drugs, when you decrease the amount of sugar you consume, you will go through withdrawal.
Can you imagine how this would impact our children with ADD/ADHD, Candida or bacterial overgrowth, or a host of other physical and behavioral issues? A roller coaster of hormones, gut dysfunction, and decreased brain function isn’t only bad for our kids with special needs, it’s bad for all of us!
So, to indulge in that sweet tooth so we don’t trash our diet instead of our junk food and support gut health, try this easy Fried Plantain recipe!
Plantain benefits: The fiber content will help you feel fuller, longer. They are also high in vitamins B6, A and C as well as magnesium, potassium and iron. Plantains can help repair thinning stomach lining due to prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs, thereby improving stomach ulcers.
Important!
Oils all have different smoke points. A smoke point is the temperature at which an oil will start to destabilize and create free radicals that are dangerous to your health. It’s a great name because it is straightforward. If the oil gets too hot, it starts to smoke! If you ever do get to that point, make sure to turn on the fan. Those fumes aren’t good for you either. Oils that have a high smoke point tend to be overly processed. Avocado oil happens to have a high smoke point and is healthy for you! For this recipe, because we are cooking at a lower temperature, I use coconut oil or butter for flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
1 Plantain, sliced
3 Tbs Coconut or Avocado Oil, Grass-Fed Butter, or Ghee
2 Tsp Raw Unfiltered Honey
1 Tsp Cinnamon
Directions:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium for 3-4 minutes.
Turn down the temperature to right in between medium and low.
Place sliced plantains flat in the heated oil, cook for about 4 minutes or until golden brown.
Flip plantains and cook for another 3 minutes.
Drizzle 1 teaspoon honey over the top of the plantains and sprinkle with half the cinnamon.
Flip and repeat with the rest of the honey and cinnamon. If any of the plantains aren’t golden brown, let them cook a little longer.
Brush the sweat off of your brow for such a tedious recipe! Seriously, enjoy and as always, let me know what you think.
Tools and ingredients can be found on Amazon through these links
54oz Organic Coconut Oil (better deal than any grocery store!)
Organic, Unfiltered Honey
Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
Cast Iron Skillet
Cutting board
3 Piece Knife Set
Health and Honesty 