Why My Daughter Doesn't Eat Bananas

Hello everyone,

Continuing with our dinner ideas.

In a previous article, we shared a wonderful recipe for a Quaker Banana Pancake packed with tryptophan, and we also explained what tryptophan is and why it's important.

But not everyone loves bananas. My daughter, Noya, for example, really dislikes them.

On one hand, it's a shame, because bananas contain many essential nutrients like proteins, minerals (especially potassium), and vitamins. They're a light and filling option.

On the other hand, I truly believe you should listen to your body.
If our body avoids something, it likely means that food isn't right for us.
If our body is drawn to something else, that's probably what we need.

As a child, I disliked dairy products.
My dear mother, who cared about my nutrition and wanted me to get enough protein and calcium, really insisted that I finish my yogurt, labneh, cream cheese, even vanilla or chocolate flavored dairy desserts – the main thing was that I get my daily dairy intake.
At that time, awareness wasn't what it is today; whatever the Dairy Council fed us (pun intended) was what we consumed.
As a child, I also suffered from terrible stomach pains and cramps until eventually, the doctors discovered the cause and the connection – my body lacks the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the sugar in milk known as lactose.
Therefore, dairy products don't suit me, and I need to get protein and calcium from other sources.

It's known that some children who peel plaster off the walls and eat it are actually lacking calcium.

Many times, an intense craving for chocolate actually indicates a magnesium deficiency.
As you might guess, the cocoa used to make chocolate is rich in magnesium.

So if my daughter Noya is averse to bananas, with all the "good stuff" they contain, I understand that it's important to teach Noya to be attuned to her body, and apparently, bananas simply aren't right for her.
So instead of bananas, let's go with apples.

Fluffy Apple Pancakes (a more accurate translation would be: Airy Apple Skillet Cake).

• 1 cup of oats
• 1/4 cup milk or your choice of milk substitute (I used almond milk)
• 1/2 cup applesauce without any unnecessary additives or sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid sweetener. I used maple syrup, but you could also use silan, honey, or agave syrup.
• If you like, you can season with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (or both).

Blend everything together in a blender/food processor and let the mixture sit for a few minutes.

Pour about a quarter cup of the mixture onto a hot skillet.
When the bottom side is golden and easily lifts with a spatula, it's time to flip to the other side.
When the second side is also golden, the pancake is ready.
Stack them on a plate, sprinkle with apple and peach cubes, add maple syrup, and enjoy.
Bon appétit!

There are many more fun and easy dinner ideas,
which we'll save, God willing, for future articles.
Until then, stay healthy,
Chen Tobi