Go BANANAS for our SWAP of the Month
12 Jun 2023 |
We’re so excited to present SWAPS! SWAPS is an initiative to help introduce healthy and affordable food options that can be “swapped” for less liver friendly food favorites. We’ve been playing with an acronym and our first stab is Supporting Wellness and Prevention. So, SWAP for your liver health…I think you can see the direction we’re heading. This week we’re going to talk about bananas!
A healthier option to traditional frozen sweets
As the Texas summer heat kicks in, our craving for frozen sugary treats kicks in, too. Popsicles and ice cream bars can be crammed with ingredients that aren’t so good for our bodies and they are usually filled with sugar. Consuming too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease.
This summer, instead of reaching for an ice cream bar or popsicle, try frozen “banana popsicles” instead! They’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to make them
The instructions are easy and kid friendly! Cut as many bananas as you want to freeze in half and insert a popsicle stick into each. Lay your bananas out on a parchment lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer. Once frozen solid, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate and other toppings such as chopped nuts or dried fruit and then re-freeze. Store your delicious ‘nanas in a freezer proof container and enjoy (we promise they won’t last long)!
Why bananas?
Why bananas? Well, that’s simple…it’s because they are delicious! Aside from being tasty, they also contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamins B6 and C. Even when frozen, they have an easy to chew texture, and bananas are generally affordable. Be sure to moderate! It is commonly recommended that adults eat between 1-2 full bananas each day, so don’t overindulge.
Have a swap to share?
We’d love to hear from you. What are some of your healthy swaps? Be sure to visit us on Instagram and Facebook for regular posts regarding liver health. If you’d like to support our work, visit our donate page here!
2 Responses to “Go BANANAS for our SWAP of the Month”
Mona Hudson
I love my ice cream ,popcycles can’t eat it with fatty liver
Jenifer Butler
Hi Mona! Have you tried frozen bananas? Let us know what you think! Sometimes we throw some frozen bananas in the blender and call it “Nice Cream.” We hope you are well!