This post is sponsored by Biochem.

Today’s post is all about GAINZ (plz click for one of my favorite memes).

Y’all know I can’t sit still. In any given week, I’m running around SF (for exercise or errands), swimming (in the ocean now that spring is here), at yoga, or at my favorite group fitness class, Barry’s Bootcamp. It’s a lot!

But I never used to be this active. I swam growing up, but once I hit college, I was straight up skinny fat. Gym sessions were for socializing more than exercising. And I cooked full-time in restaurants, so my diet was more pastry than protein.

When I got diagnosed with chronic anemia, I really started paying attention to fitness. If I didn’t get enough iron, vitamins C and D, and protein, I became sluggish, exhausted, and unable to function.

Fast forward to today and I’m the fittest I’ve ever been in my LIFE—and I’m proud of myself for it! Fitness started as a tedious and sometimes annoying thing, and it’s turned into a daily lifestyle.

Although I could chill a bit more, I enjoy incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine in big and small ways. The big—signing up for races. The small—a quick run around the neighborhood that ends with a breakfast that combines pastry and protein, my two favorite things.

Why Biochem Whey Protein:

Biochem’s whey protein powders are huge part of my breakfast game. I already used protein supplements, but I switched over to Biochem once I learned about their special coffee and vanilla flavors. The coffee powder has as much caffeine as an actual cup of coffee, and the vanilla contains mood enhancers to reduce stress—and y’all know I’m a super anxious person by nature. I used both to create a powerful new banana bread recipe with black sesame, and I’ve been eating this nonstop after I work out! With some fresh fruit, it’s my new favorite thing to eat for breakfast.

So here’s to gains that make you feel awake, calm, and positive every day. I can’t wait to see what else I can use these powders for; for now, here’s my recipe for black sesame banana bread with Biochem protein.

Follow Biochem on Instagram and Facebook to learn more.

Photos by Beschell Photography.

Black Sesame Banana Bread with Biochem Whey Protein

• Prep Time:15m
• Cook Time:1h
• Total Time:1h 15m
• Serves: 10
• Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of black sesame seeds, plus more for topping the bread with
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 4 very ripe bananas, plus half a banana cut lengthwise for topping the bread with
• 1 1/2 all purpose flour
• 1 scoop Biochem vanilla protein powder
• 1 scoop Biochem coffee protein powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grapeseed (or vegetable) oil
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups (lightly packed) brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly toast the black sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them.
2. In a food processor, add the black sesame seeds and blend until the seeds turn into fine grain. As you process the oils will release from the seeds and the paste will begin to clump up. Add the honey and process until you have a smooth paste.
3. Pour into a stand mixer with the beater attachment and add bananas. Mix until you have a smooth puree.
4. Add brown sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, protein powders, baking powder, baking soda and salt together.
6. Mix in the flour mixture into the wet puree by adding 1/3 of the flour at a time and incorporate gently before adding more flour. Slowly and gently mix until flour is completely combined.
7. Oil a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Pour batter into the oiled and lined pan and sprinkle the top with black sesame seeds. Gently lay the banana slice, slice side up, over the top of the batter. Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Originally posted on Shikha La Mode

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