A dietitian has shared a five-ingredient healthy banana bread recipe that she says helps beat sugar cravings, offering a more nutritious alternative to the popular three-ingredient version. Leanne Ward, 31, from Brisbane, created the recipe after seeing a three-ingredient banana bread on Facebook made with bananas, condensed milk and flour, which she felt was too carb-heavy.
Ward’s version includes four medium bananas, one tin of sweetened condensed milk, 2.5 cups of self-raising wholemeal flour, three-quarters of a cup of honeycomb protein powder, and chia seeds. She explained on Instagram that the additions of protein powder and chia seeds provide protein, healthy fats and fibre to stabilise blood sugar levels and increase satiety.
The recipe involves mashing 3.5 bananas, mixing dry ingredients separately, combining them gently, then baking at 180°C for 25–30 minutes. The remaining half banana is placed on top before baking. Ward recommends storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Social media users responded positively, with one commenting: “I love how simple this is – and it’s good for you!” Another said: “Need to try this! Overripe bananas are piling up in my fridge.” Ward also shared tips for avoiding binge eating during lockdown, advising people to distinguish between true hunger and emotional eating driven by stress or boredom.
