Whether you want to drop a few extra kilos or just want to make healthier choices, organisation is fundamental to your success.
I constantly fall into the trap of letting myself get too hungry, and reaching for the the first thing in sight – the quickest way to satisfy those hunger pangs. It is almost always bread.
Don’t get me wrong – bread can be an excellent choice, providing it is sourdough based, is made with nutritionally sound flour, and is not consumed for breakfast lunch AND dinner. If you plan your meals and snacks in advance, you are less likely to make bad choices. And by planning I don’t mean some kind of inflexible food roster. It is impossible to follow a meal plan long term. What is possible however, is creating new habits. Good habits.
Find some time on the weekend (or whatever day/night that works for you) to make batches tasty treats to curb your cravings. A big batch of muesli to last you a week or two. A tub of hummus and a container of prepared celery and carrot sticks. A big batch of veggie soup portioned out and frozen for emergency lunches. Even a piece of paper stuck on the fridge with a list of healthy ideas jotted down. Whatever it may be, it is crucial that they are things that you enjoy eating.
It may take a little preparation but you will be thanking yourself midweek when you are stocked up with healthy snacks and meals.
Might I add, you will appreciate having healthy little snacks on hand to pack into school lunches, rather than reaching for the got-no-time-running-late packet of something from the cupboard (we’ve all been there!). It is also great to have these things on standby when your children are pestering you for food an hour before dinner.
If you are the type that needs a little inspiration, peruse the recipe index of my site. There are a few ideas that can get you started at least. I always try to have a raw treat in my freezer, already cut into portions. That way I have something that is even more convenient, and tastier, than toast.
These Frozen Choc Banana Pops fall into that category.
They trick your brain into thinking you are eating dessert. They satisfy the stomach, and even more importantly – the mind.
Instant satiety!
Frozen Choc Banana Pops
makes 6
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
– 1/4 rice malt syrup
Sprinkles
– shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, ground almonds, sea salt, hemp seeds, bee pollen, goji berries etc.
Peel and cut your bananas in half. Insert icy pole sticks halfway into the cut side of the banana and place on a tray in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour.
While the bananas are freezing, make the raw chocolate sauce by combining the remaining ingredients into a glass tumbler and whisk them together until fully combined – I use a fork for this.
Take the bananas out of the freezer and dip into the chocolate sauce. Quickly sprinkle with your topping of choice and lay flat on a tray lined with baking paper.
Continue with the remaining bananas.
Place in the freezer to set for 15 minutes or more.
They will keep well in the freezer for 1 week at least.
My weakness: bread. All of it. This recipe sounds like a good idea.
Bread for me too! And I work at a bakery!
I have no hope haha..
Jade. X
I used to work in a bakery–the struggle is so real! 😀
My weakness: bread. All of it. This recipe sounds like a good idea.
My weakness: bread. All of it. This recipe sounds like a good idea.
Great idea! I’m making these for the kids!
Great idea! I’m making these for the kids!
Great idea! I’m making these for the kids!
PERFECT for the kids Melissa! Not to mention the grown ups too : )
Great and healthy idea Jade!
Great and healthy idea Jade!
Thanks mum! Thought you’d like these ones. X
I can TOTALLY go this right now in the crazy heat. Been hiding home all day trying to keep cool!
I can TOTALLY go this right now in the crazy heat. Been hiding home all day trying to keep cool!
I actually made a second batch of these yesterday. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself when I got home from work today – I went straight to the freezer! This heat is ridiculous, are you in Melbourne too? X
I love bread and Nutella as a snack, so this is a great alternative! I can’t wait to try out different toppings. 😀
I love bread and Nutella as a snack, so this is a great alternative! I can’t wait to try out different toppings. 😀
Glad you like it – they really hit the spot! X