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When one thinks of Lent, we are reminded of fasting from certain items such as social media, junk food, shopping, bad habits, and many more. Catholics “give something up” each year at the start of Lent, fasting aims to take away the distractions, almsgiving draws deeper attention to our relationships, and prayer looks toward deepening a relationship with Jesus. Here are a few easy and healthy recipes to try if you are aiming to become more healthy this Lenten season!

Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 350g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 very ripe bananas

• 2 medium eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 250ml whole milk

• butter, for frying

Directions:

1. Add the flour, baking powder, and a generous pinch of salt into a large bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, tip in the wet ingredients, and swiftly whisk together to create a smooth, silky batter.

2. Heat a little knob of butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2-3 tbsp of the batter to the pan and cook for several minutes, or until small bubbles start appearing on the surface. Flip the pancake over and cook for 1-2 mins on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Bananas contain fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. All of these support heart health.

Apple Doughnuts

Ingredients:

• 150g cream cheese

• 2 tsp honey

• 3 apples (any kind)

• 3-4 tbsp almond or peanut butter (optional)

• Decoration Options:

• Sprinkles, Granola

• Coconut/ other fruits

• Chocolate chips, Nuts

Directions:

1. Mix the cream cheese with the honey and set it aside. Peel the apples, then slice each through the core into five or six rings. Use an apple corer or small round biscuit cutter to cut out a circle from the middle of each slice, removing the core. Pat the slices dry using a paper towel– they should be as dry as possible to help the toppings stick.

2. Spread some almond or peanut butter over the slices, then top with the sweetened cream cheese. Decorate with the toppings you choose and they're ready to eat.

Apples are full of carbohydrates which are essential to provide you with the energy that you need to stay active every day. These sugars circulate in your blood and are used by your body's cells for energy.

Banana Sushi

Ingredients:

• Bananas

• Almond butter

• Whipped cream cheese

• Crushed cereal

• Rice crispy cereal

• Chia seeds

• Shredded coconut

• Chopped chocolate

• Cinnamon sugar

Directions:

1. Cut the bananas into 1 1/2-2 inch pieces, roll in almond butter OR whipped cream cheese, and roll in any desired coating.

As previously stated, bananas contain many vitamins that help your heart health, hair, skin, and nails!

Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 plum

• 1 peach

• 1 kiwi

• 1 apple

• 4 strawberries

• 1 cup watermelon

• 1/2 cup grapes

• 1/2 cup blueberries

Directions:

1. Cut up the variety of fruits you’d like to add to the fruit salad.

2. Add to a bowl and enjoy!

Fruits can boost immunity and improve the body's ability to fight diseases! This means that eating different kinds of fruits can help your body to keep you healthy and protect you from germs that may get you sick.