Peanut Butter and Banana with Lemon and Mint





You know that embarrassing gurgling and rumbling noise that squeals from your stomach; usually during the afternoon when you've gone a few hours with out having a meal? I don't know why, but for some reason it always happens to me when I'm sitting in class, particularly after my professor has instructed us students to do some individual reading or writing. Which usually means pin drop silence will follow. And it's always around this time that my stomach begins to roar, as if it has a life of it's own.

So that brings me to the point: snacking. You shouldn't skip meals because every time you do your body's basal metabolic rate (BMR) slows down because it doesn't know the next time it's going to get food. The whole idea of your BMR slowing down is a protective mechanism, your body is getting into starvation mode. Though it's not always this severe, considering your last meal was probably that same day--not several days ago--your body is always preparing for the worst.

Your body will first use up glucose from your muscles, then extra glucose (called glycogen) from your liver for energy if you go too long with out eating. In horrible cases where the unfortunate people go without food for several days, the body will then use protein (from your muscles and your organs), and if it goes even longer it will use fat for long term survival.

So you see, it is very important that you always think about eating, yes that's right, think about it. The more frequent your meals and the smaller portions you eat the better. By eating every 2-3 hours you are constantly fueling your body and you avoid over stuffing yourself, which can often lead to weight gain.

To hold you over between lunch and dinner you should be eating a snack that is made with whole grain, some protein, a little fat, and some fruit or vegetable. This recipe is a spin on the usual boring peanut butter and banana sandwich. The mint adds a peppermint like freshness and the lemon gives plenty of zing that pairs well with the peanut butter. For a snack, have one slice of whole grain bread; and if you like it enough to have for lunch, make it into a sandwich by using two slices.

Peanut Butter and Banana with Lemon and Mint

Serves 1

Ingredients

1 slice whole-grain bread, lightly toasted if you wish
1/2 banana, sliced
2 tablespoons all natural peanut butter (healthier for you because it doesn't contain additives)
zest of half a lemon, and 1-2 teaspoons of juice (or more if you like lemon)
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

Directions

Really, you can do this in you sleep:

1.) Toast the bread.
2.) in a small bowl toss the banana, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh mint, and dried mint.
3.) Evenly spread the peanut butter on the toasted bread.
4.) Top with the lemon-mint banana mixture.
5.) Serve immediately.


Happy Snacking :o)

Priyanka



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