Grain-Free Banana Flax Bread

To be completely honest, the "grain-free" diet intimidates me a bit. Not in like a scary way, but in a way that seems more challenging to an already very difficult and specific allergy-free diet that I find myself in. You see, over the past year I have discovered that eating almonds and most other nuts really does bother my stomach and skin. It was a weird discovery, but one I was very glad to finally figure out. And I am not completely sure if it is permanent because I have been pregnant/nursing over the past 3 years and with these hormonal changes... your body and sensitivity levels change as well. So, with so much of the grain-free (or paleo, primal, GAPS) diet consisting ingredients like almond flour and so many nuts, it would be harder for me to stick to it in a healthy way. Although, it is totally possible with other foods like seeds and coconut, I also do not like to over eat eggs and meat as well. So, needless to say I find myself on a individual gluten-free diet that works best for me.

And as I counsel people after switching to the gluten-free diet, I encourage them to discover the same exact thing. No one diet is really perfect for every one, and it may take you doing some personal experimenting with a few or even specific foods to really know what makes you feel great and how to heal from years of not knowing how to deal with your body being extra sensitive or dealing with an auto immune disease. If you are on this journey as well, I am sure you have been discovering that this healing process takes time and new discoveries are always happening.

So, I would never be against the grain-free diet, but have just found that eating some whole (gluten-free) grains in balance with good sources of protein and as many vegetables I can consume works well for me. I do like consuming whole grain gluten-free grains best though because they are from a more "whole" state giving the most nutrients and benefits to give to the body.

But this bread is one way I have enjoyed a "grain-free" options over the past week. It does contain farm fresh eggs, so it is not vegan, but it does contain lots of protein, fiber and nutrients. Definitely a bread that I can feel good about eating for breakfast or a snack. Or if you are like me.... a huge slather of some butter or sunbutter. Hm delish!

I love how this bread sticks together perfectly and has so much flavor and texture with just a few simple ingredients. So this recipe at it's core is gluten and dairy free which is usually how most of my life goes. But it also may be a good option for those of you that have been pursuing how to eat more grain-free and without processed and refined foods or sweeteners in your life.

Grain-free Banana Flax Bread Recipe
{grain, gluten, dairy, nut and refined sugar-free}

4 small extra ripe bananas, mashed
4 pastured farm eggs
1/3 cup of milled flaxmeal
2/3 cup of tapioca starch or flour
2/3 cup of coconut flour
1/3 cup of melted coconut oil
1/3 cup of coconut palm sugar (or organic honey works too)
1 ts. of baking soda
1/2 ts. of sea salt
1 TB of ground cinnamon
optional: 1 ts. of pure vanilla, or dashes of nutmeg, cloves or ginger

First, mash the ripened bananas in a large mixing bowl, then add the eggs and whip together, then add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix well together. Add as much or as little cinnamon that you want, and add other spices or vanilla if you prefer as well.

Mix well and then pour the batter into a well-greased coconut oil glass bread baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes. This will make the crust a bit browned and crunchy, but will ensure a fully baked and firm loaf in the end.

Let cool and then pull from the pan after 20-30 minutes to continue to cool on the counter or a cooling rack. Slice thick and enjoy!

Much love to you!