You really just have to love banana- they are kind of amazing; you can get them year round, you don’t have to cook them, they are sweet, delicious and come in their own biodegradable packaging!

Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium {ever get those dreaded leg cramps at night- yikes}.   Since bananas contain a whopping 400-plus mg of potassium and only 1 mg of sodium, they may help prevent high blood pressure and build better bones.  Throw them in the blender with some old-grain oats , yogurt , fat-free milk, and a touch a honey and cinnamon for a delicious and healthy way to start your day.

Banana Oatmeal Smoothie

Ingredients

1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 banana, halved
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 teaspoons honey
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

In a blender, combine oats, yogurt, banana, fat-free milk, honey, and cinnamon; puree until smooth. Serve immediately.

Recipe adapted from Everyday Food,  November 2008