Frozen Almond Butter Banana

Sometimes, when in training, a person has days where she really needs some ice cream. For me, that would be everyday. But ice cream everyday is not a good idea, especially when trying to stay in shape.

So, the Internet has given us the frozen banana. I’m sure we’ve all seen a version of this on Pinterest- frozen banana bites, blended frozen banana “ice cream,” frozen bananas in a milkshake. A frozen banana can taste and feel just like vanilla ice cream, and you can flavor it to taste like chocolate or peanut butter. Or, you can add in things like nuts or caramel to change the texture and taste.

When I prepare a banana for a smoothie, I unpeel it and cut in into small bits, so they catch on the blade in the blender. But when I want a quick treat, I use a different strategy. I unpeel the banana, cut it in half lengthwise, and spread some almond butter on one half. A sprinkling of cacao powder and nutritional yeast, and into the freezer it goes!

The banana is frozen for an hour. Don’t leave it in too long, or it’ll start turning brown and won’t taste good anymore.

This treat is absolutely perfect for anyone trying to stay healthy in the midst of cravings, especially in the summer!

Frozen Almond Butter Banana

Ingredients

1 banana, cut in half lengthwise
2 tbs almond butter, or other nut butter
Optional: cacoa powder, nutritional yeast, other sliced fruit

Place the banana open-faced on a freezer-safe plate.
Spread the almond butter onto one half of the banana. Sprinkle on your extras.
Cover the almond buttered half with the other half of the banana.
Wrap with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for 1-2 hours.
Enjoy!

Conclusions:’

As I said before, this is an extremely healthy alternative to ice cream or an ice pop. It features a fruit with fiber, a healthy fat, and a protein, so it could also be eaten as a post-workout treat. Simply prepare the banana before you head to the gym or go on a run, and when you come back it’ll be ready! If you like, you can place a craft stick between the two banana halves and eat it like a popsicle. Another option is blending the banana and almond butter before freezing, in a blender or with a hand blender, then eating it with a spoon like ice cream. Either way, enjoy your healthy snack!