This brings me to what I think is the perfect food. When I was pregnant, all those years ago, I tried to convince my obstetrician that I had the perfect snack for a pregnant woman: A banana split.

Seriously!

Look at it this way. You have your banana. Bananas are high in potassium*, which we need to help regulate blood pressure, replace potassium that was lost due to exercise or sweating (low potassium can cause muscle cramping and heart irregularities), and it helps balance the sodium in your body. A banana that’s about 9 inches can have up to 602 mg of potassium, only 140 calories, 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Pretty amazing for one piece of fruit!

Ok, after your banana, you have your ice cream. Ice cream is a great dairy source and there are now low-fat ice creams that are available if you’re watching your fat intake.

Then you have your fruit. A typical banana split has some strawberries, cherries, and pineapple. According to a press release issued last week by the Cherry Marketing Institute , ” studies have shown that the anthocyanins in tart cherries and other red foods may have anti-inflammatory benefits,” thus helping manage arthritis pain.

Cherries also contain flavonoids called anthocyanins– naturally occurring pigment compounds that provides fruit, vegetables, and plants with their color. Flavonoids, which contain antioxidants, help remove toxins from the body.

Strawberries are a popular fruit. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber, folate, potassium and antioxidants. They’re also low in calories.

Pineapple is a fun fruit that isn’t quite as popular as some others. It’s a very health fruit though. It’s considered an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese,  vitamin C and a good source of vitamin B1, copper, dietary fiber and vitamin B6.

After the fruit, you may have some peanuts. Peanuts are healthy, although they can be a bit heavy on the calories. They’re high in protein and a good source for the vitamins our body needs.

And then you have the whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Well, the whipped cream can be added dairy and, well, if you’re pregnant, what’s a few extra calories from the chocolate? Plus, if you switch to dark chocolate, you’re talking a whole different thing.

*certain people may be warned against eating bananas because their body can’t handle all the potassium. Check with your doctor if you have a heart condition that may make this the case for you.

Sadly, my doctor wasn’t convinced and neither have any others I’ve tried this theory on. But my idea still stands.

So, what are you going to eat today?

~~~~

Images: Stock.xchng

Post from: Blisstree

It’s Eat What You Want Day!

Dr. Weil’s Fruit and Nut Bars arrived in my mail last week. I had the opportunity to try a whole bunch of these certified organic bars. Yum! They have a moist, dense texture. The taste reminded me of a Fig Newton filling – the fruitiness and the slight crunchiness when I chewed. The Banana Manna tastes just like banana nut bread. My favorite was the Chia Razz – I loved the raspberry flavor.

Goji Moji: Goji berries help support a healthy immune system, improve eyesight, and circulation.

Chocolada Walnut: Walnuts are good-for-you fat full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids

Pistachi-Oh!: Pistachios are high in potassium, protein, phosphorus, and magnesium

Banana Manna: Bananas are also high in potassium which helps to protect against heart attack, stroke, as well as lowering blood pressure.

Chia Razz: Raspberries are a Super-Fruit and the Chia seed is a complete protein, with Omega 3 fatty acids, and amino acids.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Blisstree

Dr Weil’s Fruit and Nut Bars

1. Chocolate milk (the kind you make yourself). According to a study published in the American Dietetic Association in 2002, kids who drink flavored milk (think Quik and Ovaltine) consume more calcium and fewer empty calories, with no additional sugar or fat, compared with kids who don’t drink flavored milk. (I learned this one when I busted out the Chocolate Quik and marshmallows to make some hot chocolate today.)
2. String cheese (the real stuff). It’s all about calcium for women, and string cheese is a delicious and easy way to get some, along with protein, when you’re on the go. I love Sorrento’s Reduced Fat Mozzarella Stringsters.
3. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Grab yourself a couple of slices of whole wheat bread, a banana, and a jar of low-fat, low-sugar peanut butter (mmm, organic…), and you’ve got fiber, protein, and potassium all in one scrumptious snack. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s sooooo good.
4. Juicy Juice. You know, the stuff that’s “100% juice for 100% kids.” Of course you should be careful that you’re not drinking all your calories (two parts juice and one part water is how I keep a handle on that), but when you want something sweet and refreshing, all natural fruit juices like Juicy Juice are the way to go. And to make your juice sparkle, try adding some flavored or plain seltzer water instead of tap water. (I recommend Vintage Seltzer Water.)
5. Raisins. I’m sure you’ve heard it through the grapevine before, but raisins are like nature’s candy. I like Sun-Maid’s snack packs when I’m on the go, and I keep the 24-ounce reclosable carton in my pantry for snacks at home when I need a natural boost. They pack plenty of potassium, help you get your daily fruit intake, and keep things regular (if you know what I mean.)

Now, bust out the crayons and grab yourself a nutritious snack.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

Post from: Blisstree

Get in Touch With Your Inner Child: 5 Tasty Treats That Aren’t Just for Kids