BANANA BREAD WALNUT OATS

As you transition into week #3, your luteal phase (aka FALL), your body craves foods that support progesterone production so that it can rise enough to stimulate a healthy growth of your uterine lining. Luckily, this recipe’s primary ingredients (b6-vitamin-rich bananas and walnuts) do just that. The oats also work to boost your feel-good hormone serotonin, which tends to drop during this phase, leading to feelings of stress or sadness (hi, pms). Because of this drop, you also tend to crave sweets or carbs that give you a temporary boost, but mess with blood sugar in the long run. Thus working in this bowl of complex carbohydrates (along with plenty of quality fat, fiber and protein) helps to satisfy cravings without the subsequent sugar crash. Pro-Tip: Try making a big batch and packing in individual glass containers for an easy breakfast to reheat throughout the week. I love topping mine with more banana, nut butter (tahini is especially great for week #3), vanilla bean ghee, coconut yogurt and coconut flakes. I also recommend purchasing gluten-free certified sprouted oats if possible, as they’re easier on digestion for maximum nutrient absorption.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a medium-sized stovetop pot, bring milk to a boil.

Step 2

2. Add in oats and stir well, reducing heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3

3. Stir in mashed bananas, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt. Keep cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 4

4. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, creamy nut butter, grass-fed ghee, and optional collagen powder + coconut shavings.