RECIPE SWAP:A Healthy Alternative for a Sweet Treat
Balance and moderation are KEY to healthy nutrition. Whether you are just starting on your health journey or looking to improve your nutrition, there are always new things to learn. When trying to start new healthy habits, many feel the need to deprive themselves from sweet treats, but this is not necessary.
By swapping certain ingredients in recipes, or by using similar yet simpler recipes we can maintain health goals, satisfy the lingering sweet tooth, and provide some additional nutrition.
One of the most popular desserts nationwide, is banana cream pie. Here is a healthy, yet tasty, alternative.
Dark Chocolate Frozen Banana Slices
Yields 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 bananas, sliced
½ cup Lily’s dark chocolate chips or baking pieces (great option for a lower sugar content)
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Optional ingredients: 2 Tbsp. Cool Whip = 25 calories
Directions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Melt dark chocolate chips over a double boiler until smooth and creamy; remove from heat.
Carefully dip each banana slice in the chocolate and rotate until evenly coated, using a spoon. Place on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt. Repeat with all banana slices.
Freeze until firm, a minimum of two hours. Serve chilled or store in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to one month.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 5 pieces
Calories: 193 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31.5g
Protein: 2.7g
Fat: 9g
Nutritional Benefits:
Quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content has nutritional value. It is rich in fiber and loaded with minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, & manganese. It also contains a powerful source of antioxidants. These include polyphenols, flavanols and catechins, among others. Dark chocolate may improve blood pressure, improve brain function.
The soluble fiber in bananas can help keep you full by adding bulk to your digestive system and slowing digestion. Additionally, bananas are relatively low in calories for their size. They are loaded with antioxidants such as flavonoids and amines which are linked to many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and degenerative illnesses
Important things to note:
Everything in moderation
Choose dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content
PRO TIP: try eating a sliced banana with protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt for optimal nutrition
Do not deprive your sweet tooth, but be mindful by incorporating healthy alternatives and watching our portion sizes
Satisfying your sweet tooth has never been easier with healthy alternatives such as this one. Next time you are craving something sweet whip up this recipe. Balance and moderation is key in a healthy lifestyle.
By: Erika Richter, Intern