Banana Ice Cream

Before you assume that this is regular ice cream that tastes like bananas, let me correct you. This is, in many ways, more of an ultra thick smoothie than it is ice cream, and is an optional non-dairy (though I'd personally recommend you stick with at least a little bit of dairy blended in for a little bit of a creamy, sweeter taste.)

My sister told me about this recipe/trick last year, and I have to say it saves me when I have a craving for something rich, creamy, and sweet.... but when I'm also trying to stay healthy. Here's an option for dessert you won't have to regret!

Banana Ice Cream

Ingredients:
1 frozen banana, chopped
1 Tbsp peanut or sunflower butter
1.5 Tbsp vanilla creamer (OR 1-2 Tbsp nonfat milk with vanilla extract, and stevia -- this is also completely optional if you have a strong enough food processor. I actually would recommend the nonfat milk with vanilla extract route, but the nutritional info I have below is from when I made it with vanilla creamer.)
.5 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (I personally skip this option but this is a great idea for you chocolate lovers!)
1 Tbsp flaxseed, oat bran, or chia seeds (for texture and nutrition)

Put all in a strong blender or food processor. Blend to a creamy texture. If desired, freeze for an hour for a more frozen texture. Serve topped with nuts or your other favorite, healthy topping.

picture credit: fitsugar.com

Nutrition Info: (with banana, peanut butter, vanilla creamer, and ground chia seeds)
Size: About 1.5 cups
Calories: 288
Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrates: 41.5 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sugar: 23 g
Protein: 7 g

(Let's not forget -- all but  7.5 grams of sugar are from natural sugars found in fruit!)

Compare to:
Average ice cream nutritional info: (taken from Calorie King)
Size: About 1.5 cup
Calories: 420
Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrates: 51 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 48 g
Protein: 6 g