Paleo Chocolate Chip Pancakes

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First things first these pancakes can definitely be sugar-free as well. Just simply omit the chocolate chips and maple syrup and they'll still taste amazing!

When I started eating real food my boyfriend was super supportive, but I could see behind his eyes, "Gulp. Uh oh... what does that mean??" A little backstory, I've experimented with all the different ways of eating in the last few years- I used to be a calorie counter afraid of fat (you can read my story to learn more about that), then I jumped head-first into being plant-based (where I encountered some issues I'll expand on in a different post), and then no-sugar and low-carb (participating in a candida cleanse that felt restrictive), intuitive eating (which I find quite difficult), paleo (what feels most natural to me), all of it! Phew!

I think it's important to try different things and see what works best for you, because we're all individuals. I now identify most with paleo, but don't necessarily label myself, so I just like to say I eat REAL FOOD.... delicious well-sourced protein, lots of healthy fats, and of course all the veggies, some nuts, seeds, and fruit, keep me balanced and happy.

My boyfriend supported me through all of it, always happy to eat what I was eating and for that I could not be more appreciative. He is a really active, busy guy, who can handle some treats and sweets and I wanted to come up with some new recipes for him. I had already taken him on quite a rollercoaster while trying to figure out what way of eating resonates best with me. Along the way he found out what works best for him, too.  

We've found we feel really great eating real food. I love it because it does not feel like the restriction I have put myself through in the past, I don't get hangry (hungry + angry) ever, and my mood has stabilized (bye anxiety, you don't control me anymore!) He loves it because he feels full and energized during a long work day, has better skin, and no longer has intense sweet cravings. Not to mention we're now eating steak and sweet potatoes, burgers with caramelized onions, salmon and avocado, roasted veggies covered with ghee and delicious spices...and...pancakes! So, what could be better then that!? 

I made up this pancake recipe when I got back the results of a food sensitivities test, one of them being coconut. I contently committed to pulling coconut from my diet for the next few months in order to lower some inflammation issues going on in my body, among several other foods. It's not forever, and I am making the choice, an important mentality to have when you may have to involve some nature of restriction in your diet for health reasons. But bye-bye coconut flour and coconut oil for the time being. I hadn't been using almond flour recently because I found my digestion felt better without it, so I wasn't sure what I was going to use as the flour in my pancakes. So I checked out my fridge and came up with an unconventional awesome recipe centered around collagen, arrowroot flour, and ground flaxseed! And I love it!

Collagen is one of my favorite pantry staples, I actually view it as a superfood because it has so many healing properties! It is the collagen found naturally in the bones, skin, and cartilage from grass-fed animals, and therefor is packed with amino acids. It is very bioavailable, known to sooth the digestive track, ease achy or arthritic joints, and promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. It has no taste, stirs into warm and cold liquids and can really be mixed into anything. I add a Tbsp. to my tea every morning and have been mixing it to my chia seed pudding recipe for some extra protein, as well! The possibilities are endless.

I was really unsure of the consistency that would come from these pancakes...would they taste fluffy and doughy? Well, they are so close to the "real thing" I couldn't believe it myself. My boyfriend wildly approved, and said, "Why would anyone go out for pancakes after this?" He quickly learned the recipe and now makes these for himself several times a week, hope you do too!

Perfect Paleo Chocolate Chip Pancakes, with a healing twist (gluten, grain, and dairy-free)

Makes 5 medium-sized pancakes

Ingredients:

Directions:

  • Add the banana to a medium-sized bowl and use a fork to mash it completely
  • Crack your eggs into the bowl
  • Using a whisk, mix the eggs and banana together till smooth 
  • Add all remaining ingredients and mix everything together till smooth
  • Turn a medium-sized frying pan (or you could use a griddle if you have one) to medium heat
  • Add a small spoonful of ghee or coconut oil (roughly 1 tsp.) to the pan
  • Pour batter onto the pan, making about a 5 inch X 5 inch pancake
  • Add chocolate chips by sprinkling desired amount on top of the pancake while it is cooking, somewhere between 5 and 10 (optional)
  • Flip batter when tiny bubbles start to appear or when batter starts to give when a spatula comes underneath
  • Once flipped, it will only take 30 seconds or so until ready to come off the heat
  • Transfer first pancake to a plate
  • Repeat till all batter is used 
  • Top with ghee or coconut oil and desired amount of maple syrup (optional)

Hope you try these pancakes, I would love to hear what you think!! 

*It's important to note that I am an amazon affiliate.