OUR EXPERT SAYS… SIMPLE BERRY ‘ICE CREAM’
Frozen fruit, especially red and purple berries, are nutritionally as good as fresh, and bursting with antioxidants. Add mint or basil to bring out their Find a flavour. The yoghurt nutritionist has pre- and probiotic near you at qualities – great for gut nutritionisthealth – plus bonebuilding calcium and resource.org.uk protein. For vegans, substitute the yoghurt with a plant-based version.
FROZEN FRUIT KEBABS
FROZEN FRUIT KEBABS Makes 8 Ingredients 4 small mangoes 1 small pineapple 2 limes 120g white chocolate, melted 8 skewers Method • Cut the mangoes from the stone, peel and halve. Cut each half into four slices. Set aside. Peel the pineapple, slice and cut each segment into triangles. • Start threading the fruit on the skewers. When complete, place on a lined baking tray. • In a separate bowl, finely grate the lime zest. Set aside. Halve the limes and squeeze the juice over the fruit. Add a sprinkling of zest. Freeze for four hours. • When ready to serve, melt the white chocolate in a small microwave bowl. Transfer the frozen fruit kebabs to a serving plate and drizzle over the chocolate.
CHOCOLATE DIPPED BANANAS Makes 8
Ingredients 4 medium-ripe bananas 8 lollipop sticks 170g dark chocolate, squared 3 tbsp chopped nuts Method •P eel and halve the bananas. Insert a stick into each ‘banana pop’ and place on a tray. Freeze for three hours. •P our the chopped nuts (I like hazelnuts) on a plate and set aside. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. When smooth, pour into a tall glass. Dip each frozen banana into the chocolate, remove and roll in the nut coating. Leave to cool. •S erve immediately or wrap in baking paper and freeze until ready to serve.
Mangoes and pineapples are good sources of fibre. You could also use watermelon, which contains less sugar, but high levels of antioxidants to keep the immune system in top condition. Drizzling 15g of chocolate per portion is a great way to keep the sugar content low. To make it vegan-friendly, opt for dark chocolate instead.
CHOCOLATE DIPPED BANANAS
Every year in the UK, we each eat around 100 bananas! They provide filling fibre, and lots of potassium to balance fluid levels and regulate heart function. You could coat the bananas in sesame seeds for a hit of calcium, or chopped pumpkin seeds. Like nuts, they add protein plus omega-3 fatty acids.
Susan Hart is a nutrition coach and speaker. As well as delivering healthy eating advice to individuals, Susan hosts regular workshops and runs vegan cooking classes. Find out more at nutrition-coach.co.uk
July 2019 • happiful.com • 57