We have the recipe for the perfect summer treat. How often do you crave something sweet? If this happens a lot, you should definitely try healthier versions of your favorite dessert.

This recipe is great for those who don’t have much time to try new things. Our banana bites are healthy and fit every diet regimen. Are you vegan? These are great for you, and you can also share them with your gluten-intolerant friends. If you are allergic to peanuts, use other nut or seed butter.

Peanut butter is healthy

Organic peanut butter is unprocessed. Peanuts are roasted, seasoned and ground into a paste. Some brands use sugar, hydrogenated oil and trans fats.

Natural peanut butter provides great health benefits:

• Rich in protein and healthy fats
• Low in carbs
• Packed with vitamins and minerals (magnesium, vitamin B3, B6, iron and zinc)
• Antioxidant power

Health benefits of bananas

Bananas are highly nutritious. In the early 20th century, the American medical Association confirmed that bananas are healthy for children. The sweet fruit was often recommended to those dealing with celiac disease until experts found that it’s caused by gluten.

Bananas are rich in:

• Vitamin B6
• Fiber
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Vitamin C

Potassium in bananas is important for your heart. It eliminates sodium and lowers blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables should be the base of your meal, and bananas promote healthy weight loss.

Chocolate is good for your overall health. Moderate consumption of chocolate strengthens the cardiovascular system. Cocoa beans are packed with nutrients. Always pick chocolate with high cocoa content.  Some commercial products lack the real benefits of dark chocolate.

High-cocoa chocolate is rich in:

• Flavonoids –repair cell damage
• Antioxidants – prevent free-radical damage
• Flavonols – lower blood pressure and improve the flow of blood in the brain/heart

Have you ever noticed that chocolate fixes your mood? Polyphenols enhance digestion, treat anxiety and help you cope with your fatigue syndrome.

Chocolate-dipped peanut butter banana bites

You can adjust this recipe to your liking. Use slivered nuts and coconut or add your favorite jam on top of the peanut butter layer.

Serves: 4

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Total time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 2-3 bananas, sliced
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (or nut or seed butter)
•  1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Use unsweetened dark chocolate chips. If you like it sweet, use stevia, monk fruit, allulose or erythritol.

Instructions:

Make sandwiches using banana slices and peanut butter.

Put the sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for an hour.

Melt the chocolate in your microwave for 15-20 seconds. Don’t forget to stir it. Add a drop of (coconut) oil if clumps.

Dip the sandwiches in your melted chocolate, and put them back on the baking sheet. Freeze until solid.

If you have any Peanut Butter Banana Bites leftovers, freeze them in an air-tight container.

Source: www.healthy-liv.com