SOOTHE YOUR MIND In these challenging times, people will be feeling more worried and anxious than usual, and these feelings could have an impact on us making healthy choices and see us turn to food for comfort. If current events on the news are a trigger for you, try to limit your exposure. Focusing on the present moment – mindfulness – to calm your mind in times of uncertainty can be really helpful. Colouring books, jigsaws and word puzzles are useful activities for this. Also, there are apps that guide you through techniques to help ease anxiety or panic. Follow your ordinary routine as much as possible, and keep a sense of normality, whether that’s packing up your lunch the night before, dressing in work clothes if you’re working from home, taking a nice hot shower or doing your hair and make-up. Public Health campaign ‘Every Mind Matters’ has some great pointers and suggestions to help with mental wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
Serves 6
Suitable for vegetarians Ready in 45 minutes, plus cooling 5 Syns per serving
What you need: • • • • • • • • • •
2 ripe bananas 60g All-Bran Original, roughly crushed 4 level tbsp sweetener granules 60ml apple juice 60g self-raising flour 5-6 drops vanilla essence 2 level tsp baking powder ½ tsp ground allspice 3 eggs, lightly beaten fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais, to serve
What you do:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 and line a small loaf tin with non-stick baking paper. 2. Put the bananas in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Add the All-Bran, sweetener and apple juice and stir well. Sift in the flour. Add the vanilla essence, baking powder and allspice, followed by the eggs and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended. 3. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until firm to the touch and golden brown. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. 4. Remove the loaf from the tin and peel off the baking paper. Cut into 6 equal slices and serve warm with a dollop of fat-free natural yogurt or fromage frais. The loaf will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container – try toasting it for a yummy snack.
Lifestyle MAG
Tip: This Slimming World banana bread is even more delicious if you add 25g chocolate chips 27 to the mixture (adds 1 Syn per serving).
