Tummy Troubles and What It Means For Delicious Treats (Amazing Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan Chocolate Banana Bread)

I have tummy problems. It sounds pretty tolerable to say it that way, but truth is, the pain and discomfort I feel on a regular basis had made the past year quite distressing, depressing and frustrating.  Doctors are slow to come to a real answer and my symptoms are wide and changing.  Right now, its a toss up between IBS, Gluten Intolerance, Lactose Intolerance and probably at least a mixture of all three, if not something else entirely.  While on the medical front, I've had a few ER visits, multiple doctor visits and no answers, on the home front I have tried to be as proactive with my health as possible.  I take glutamine for my intestine health, a probiotic, and exercise daily, (I play Roller derby too! More on that later!)
Recently, I found Fennel Tea, which honestly, seems to really help with cramping and bloating, I recommend it, although I was quite skeptical at first myself, I now drink at least three cups a day. Heather's Tummy Tea is actually quite affordable and makes the whole thing easy, although you could also just brew your own lose fennel, that is how I started.

 I also found cutting out gluten and cutting down on dairy helped A LOT. Plus, I lost at least twenty pounds! Nice side effect.  But, I am a gluten lover. I mean, me and bread are best friends, we made our own loaves and went through two or three a week in my household, that's gluten love! So, it was a bit depressing to leave my gluten behind and I've been determined to find yummy, awesome alternatives since.

 Cue my Chocolate Banana Bread! ( Really, you can leave out the cocoa powder and have normal banana bread too, but who wants that?!)  I don't feel like this is a replacement at all, it is as good if not better than the wheat banana bread I use to make and better for you!

I know, I know, get to the recipe. You've got it!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

3 cups Gluten Free Oats (I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats )
( Blend them into a course flour we have a ninja blender and its magically)
1/2 Cup of Walnuts also ground small (or omit if you don't like nuts)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-5 very ripe bananas (I say the more the merrier!)
1/4 cup natural applesauce
 1 tablespoon coconut oil
 1/3 cup of maple syrup  (if you want to use brown sugar you can)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cocoa powder ( or not if you want regular banana bread)
2/3 cup Chocolate chips ( or not, up to you!)

Grease a 9x5 pan, Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dries together. Mix and blend all wets together making your banana only slightly chunky. Add dries to wet, until well incorporated, then add chocolate chips. Bake for 35-40 minutes.  When it comes out, cool in pan for 5-10 minutes then take it out and let it cool the rest of the way on a wire rack.  If you can wait that long.  I can't.

I do not think you are going to be disappointed.