Summer Fitness... Part 5

Yesterday we tackled BBQ, today we take on Ice Cream! There is no reason this icey cold treat can't be healthy and easy to make at home. Check out this recipe for Banana Ice Cream brought to you by foodnetwork.com.  I bet you can do this with most of your favorite fruits, let me know if you try any. Much Love, Bridget!

One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

By Dana Angelo White  

                         

There’s been quite a buzz over this frozen treat, so we tried our hand at the one-ingredient wonder – homemade banana “ice cream.”

Go Bananas


Banana muffins and banana bread are classic go-to recipes for over-ripe bananas, but there are some cooler options. When you’ve got more bananas than you know what to do with, slice them into large pieces and place in freezer-safe bag in the freezer for at least 4 hours (overnight is better). These frozen fruit chunks make creamy and frothy smoothies and a surprisingly similar dairy-free alternative to ice cream.

One medium banana totals about 105 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also get healthy doses of vitamins C and B6 and potassium. Bananas are also free of fat and cholesterol.

Banana Ice Cream – One Step Prep


Place frozen banana pieces in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Turn on the machine and let ‘er rip. Process bananas until they create a frosty, yet creamy puree. Serve immediately or place in a bowl covered with a piece of parchment paper to harden. The re-frozen concoction will have a less creamy texture but is still super refreshing and naturally sweet.

Each medium-sized banana will yield about a ½ cup of ice cream.

Top It Off


This low-cal goodie leaves room for some toppings. Each of the portions below will add 50 calories per serving:

•                3 vanilla wafer cookies

•                1 sugar cone (whole or broken into pieces)

•                2 teaspoons semisweet chocolate chips

•                2 teaspoons natural peanut butter

•                1 ½ teaspoons chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

•                1 cup sliced strawberries

•                1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

•                ½ cup diced mango

•                1 heaping tablespoon granola

•                1 ½ tablespoons shredded coconut

•                2 chocolate covered pretzels

•                2 teaspoons chocolate syrup

If you want to keep the calories as low as possible, try flavor boosters. They’re virtually calorie-free:

•                Unsweetened cocoa powder

•                Vanilla extract

•                Ground cinnamon

Freshly grated orange or lime zest