Spring’s here. It’s going to rain all week and if the runners on every sidewalk isn’t enough of a tip-off then sweatshirt weather definitely is.  Everyone’s getting in shape, but the smoothie diets are so last year. Try this zucchini bread instead (yeah, bread) for a rockin’ bod.

Medium

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients:

3 eggs, well beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated zucchini
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup walnuts, chopped

Directions:

1. In a 3 quart mixing bowl, beat eggs well. Add oil, sugar, zucchini and vanilla. Mix well.

zucchini bread

Photo by Natsuko Mazany

2. Measure flour and to it add soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

zucchini bread

Photo by Natsuko Mazany

3. Add batter and mix well.

zucchini bread

Photo by Natsuko Mazany

4. Pour into 2 greased and floured loaf pans.

zucchini bread

Photo by Natsuko Mazany

5. Bake at 325 degrees  for an hour. Slice and cool before serving. Pair with a refreshing iced tea for the perfect breakfast or snack.

zucchini bread

Photo by Natsuko Mazany

Zucchini isn’t your only option. Here are some other 5-a-day friendly breads to try: