During these freezing cold and dismal winter months, it’s easy to neglect the health and fitness goals that you probably made for the new year, especially if you have a busy schedule already. Because let’s face it, grabbing the packet of your favourite biccies that you’ve hidden in the back of the kitchen cupboard, and a glass of wine, to binge on the latest Netflix series, while wrapped up in your onesie on the sofa, is so much easier than doing a home workout. And easier than being mindful about what you’re actually putting in your mouth after a long day’s work.
And I’m not saying you have to stop watching your favourite series, but there are healthier ways in which to do so, such as replacing not-so-healthy foods with better options that won’t make your blood sugar levels crash and burn, which only leave you feeling like you want to binge even more. If you really want to be a healthier version of you, that insanity has to stop — and there’s no better time to start than right now.
Most of us love sugary treats, especially chocolate, so I’m sharing a delicious creamy chocolatey recipe that I know you’ll love. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, has only three ingredients and will satisfy a sweet craving while helping to lower your blood sugar, so you won’t be tempted to overeat.
Chocolate Banana Pudding
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas (thawed and mushy, with liquid)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp almond butter
Method:
- Put the mushy bananas and liquid, cocoa powder and almond butter in your food processor.
- Making sure the lid is secure, turn it on and hold the lid on tight.
- Process until it turns creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Top with berries, dissected coconut or chia seeds for added texture and serve. If you want to make more of a smoothie instead, simply add a milk of your choice (except soya, which is inflammatory)
Unlike peanut butter, which contains aflatoxins and causes inflammation and bloating, almond butter is packed with antioxidants, which are natural inflammation-fighting chemicals. Almond butter also contains healthy plant fats and magnesium, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels —Just make sure that the almond butter you buy contains only almonds and no added ingredients like sugar. Although almond butter with additional ingredients may be cheaper, you wouldn’t be able to count it as a healthy substitute.
If you hate chocolate or bananas, or have a nut allergy, then read on for some other options…
Other Healthy Swap Alternatives
A lot of times when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually bored or simply dehydrated, but instead of reaching for a fizzy drink or energy drink, try adding some fresh squeezed lemon and sliced cucumber to some fizzy water or coconut water, which is not only refreshing, but will keep phantom hunger pangs at bay.
Instead of reaching for crisps, why not make some homemade kale chips? Simply grab a bag of kale, massage it with your fingers in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil (or even better some coconut oil) and sea salt or Himalayan salt, spread out onto a baking tray and toss in the oven for about 15 minutes on low heat or until it crisps. You can save any leftovers in an airtight bag and it will keep for a day or two.
Even if you find yourself eating a snack that comes from a packet, you should ensure that it contains only five ingredients or less, that you can pronounce each one (meaning that it’s not a synthetic chemical ingredient), and that any form of sugar isn’t one of the first three ingredients.
I’m hoping that these healthy tips will help you think about making a better choice the next time you decide to have a snack.
Until next time!
Love, Gaynor x
