An easy cookie filled with banana, granola, oats and chocolate chips
This week marks one year since I sustained a stress fracture to my inferior pubic ramus. It’s been a challenge both mentally and physically. The first three months, I tried to deny that it happened. I tried to run. & when I finally realized I couldn’t, I resorted to walking – even though it hurt. I walked too much and too fast.
Every month or so I’d try to run again. I thought maybe KT Tape would help, or compression shorts, or new shoes, but nothing did the trick.
I finally decided to go see a doctor. Once, I finally got my diagnosis, the doctor (erroneously) told me I could run again and referred me to a running specialist. For the next month, I ran every Saturday, even though it hurt.
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I got the news – no running. That’s when it all began to sink in. There was no way this thing could heal if I kept pounding on it and undoing the work my body was doing to try to lay down new bone matrix.
It’s been hard, but I consciously made myself walk slower and not overdo it. At the beginning of March, I started a run/walk program, as prescribed by the doc. I’m surprised by how well I’ve been listening to my body. For instance, instead of just increasing from 2:1 to 3:1, I pay attention to if I have any pain before, during or after. I’m not the best listener, sometimes I hear it, but just go on, but believe me – it’s a lot better than the old me. It may take me a whole year to get back to running normally, but I’ll take this progress for now.
So, this stess fracture happened primarily because I was overdoing it. Running every day – many days long and fast. What I’ve learned from this experience is, easy is just fine, just like these cookies. You don’t need a real extravagant treat or a long run to be happy. Not everything has to be hard and it’s ok to take breaks. This keeps you from getting burned out in the kitchen or the road. & your body will thank you for it, too.
For these cookies, all you need is overripe bananas, granola, oats and chocolate chips, if desired. Next time you need a treat, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen – bake a batch of these bad boys and take it easy 😉
- 3 overripe bananas
- 2 cups granola
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chocolate chips, optional
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or grease.
- Mash bananas, mix in granola and rolled oats.
- Drop by tablespoons onto lined/greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool.
I love these simple cookies! Only four ingredients and so delicious.
Thanks Ashley! They were delicious 😉
Dude, I’ve had TWO inferior pubic ramus stress fractures!! (One on each side.) The first one, I did just what you describe here and it took a YEAR to heal. The second, I realized right away, rested, and was back to running without pain in eight weeks. It’s crazy what a difference listening to your body can make!! Here’s to happy healthy healing thoughts!
Thanks so much, Joanne! I’m not happy you experienced this, but I’m happy I’m not the only one that doesn’t listen 😉 Heres to us both staying injury free for awhile!
That sounds really painful, but I’m glad that you’re getting better. I have a hard time listening to my body, too. Don’t get discouraged. 🙂 We’re all rooting for you.
Thanks so much, Erin! I really appreciate it 🙂
Oh these cookies look fantastic, Megan! I love how easy these are to throw together. Sounds like it makes the perfect breakfast or snack!
I bet they would be great for breakfast! Thanks Gayle 🙂
These granola cookies look amazing! So easy to make and delicious! 😀
Thanks Jess! They’re the best snack if you don’t have time to make something extravagant 😉
Yum!! Those look so delicious! I love how simply & easy your recipe is to make! Also glad to hear your healing up, sounds like you’ve come a long way! It’s hard to have to take a break from something you love.
Thanks Katie! It’s been tough, but it seems like I’m finally starting to heal up.
I love the minimal ingredients list! Baked goods with bananas are the BEST 🙂
You are right, Medha! Thank you 🙂
I’m so sorry about your injuries! It’s so hard to not be able to do something you want to do! <3
Thanks Dorothy! It’s definitely been a challenge, but baking has kept me sane during my running hiatus 😉
I’m glad to hear you’re doing better even if it means slowing down. These cookies sound like the perfect quick and healthy snack!
Thanks so much, Kelly!!!
I’m glad to hear that it seems to be healing!! I tend to not be able to slow down – but it’s something I’m really working on lately. And surprise surprise I’m happier overall! haha lesson slowly being learned 🙂
These cookies sound delicious!
I should slow down in all aspects of life, too! Glad I’m not the only one having to learn this lesson – happy it’s working for you 🙂
Megan, me thinks my family would enjoy these cookies; all the ingredients are kid approved. It seems you’ve had to make some adjustments and embrace change in recent months. You’re taking it in stride. Keep on…
Thanks Brooks! I think your kids would love these 😉
These cookies look amazing! Simple and delicious, two of my favorite things.
Glad to hear you are listening to your body. Sometimes difficult to do, but the best way to heal. Wishing you good health.
Thanks Cali! I really appreciate it 🙂
Its always hard to listen to doctors, I had the same issues, but I got worse new that I should stick to the bike for most of the time, I don’t consider myself a runner, but once in a while I like to go for a jog, and with my knee injuries in was impossible, after many physical therapy sessions, patience and listening to my body I feel better than ever.
Glad to hear you’re doing better, Katalina! Thanks for visiting 🙂
I think these would be great for breakfast! I have a hard time listening to my body too.
Glad I’m not the only one. Thanks Laura 🙂
I’m glad you’re healing so well now. I’ve had a hamstring injury for way too long—maybe I need to back off a bit, too. Anyway, easy desserts are always welcome—your cookies look wonderful!!
Backing off is so hard, but it helps in the long run. Thanks Liz 🙂