Banana Almond Bread with Pecans

 Second topic up for Paleo discussion is walk around a lot. On average, men walk just of 7000 steps and women just over 5000 according to a 2004 study by Dr. Catrine Tudor-Locke. That's about 3 1/2 miles for men and under 3 for women. However, it is suggested that we walk at least 10,000 steps (about 5 miles) per day. And under paleo "standards", that child's play. We should spend several hours walking each day. Not just the recommended 1 hour and 40 minutes.


So walk around a lot. Really, it's that simple. Just set out and take a stroll. Go walking with your dog, your partner, your kids, your neighbor, or better yet, by yourself. Park your car in the back end of the parking lot. Take the stairs. Go to the zoo, or a museum, or walk around the city and go sight-seeing. Get a stand-up desk at work. Walk to the park and take the footpaths. It is a lot easier than you think to add walking into your day. And the benefits are numerous!

Lower LDL, raise HDL, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes, manage weight, improve your mood, and stay strong and fit are just some of the benefits that Mayo Clinic presents. Our guru Mark Sisson gives some cooler evidence on the benefits of walking, such as fitter teens, longevity, improved memory, and improved Alzheimer's symptoms. He also gives some awesome definitions on walking types.

Which brings me to my last point on walking around a lot. GO BAREFOOT! Or as close to barefoot as possible. Seeing as I am on vacation I will leave you to research this point a little further throughout the week and we'll come back to it next week :)


So this morning I ran around a lot. About 9 miles, and for recovery I had two 1/2" slices, toasted with butter and three fried eggs. I adapted this recipe from Health-Bent's Paleo Banana Bread; Delish!

Banana Almond Pecan Bread

The Food
- 1 cup fine almond meal
- 1 cup crunchy almond butter
- 3 spotty bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (not pictured! last minute addition :)
- Butter

The Prep
Preheat oven to 350°
Butter a standard loaf pan

The Method
Slice banana into a large mixing bowl
Add remaining ingredients to bowl
Mash with fork until everything is smooth (will have a little chunk because of chunky almond butter, but banana should be smooth)
Mix in pecans
Pour into greased pan
Bake in oven for about 45 minutes- top will be golden and hard and bread should be springy when top is pressed
Let cool in pan for about 5 minutes
Finish cooling on cooling rack

Enjoy :)