Originally published November 25 2011
Skip the pie and enjoy a healthy dessert this Thanksgiving
by Christy Pooschke
(NaturalNews) Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for gathering with friends and family and reflecting upon all of the good things in life. Unfortunately, the holiday meal usually involves indulging in unhealthy fat-filled and carbohydrate-loaded foods that leave dinner guests feeling bloated, run-down and guilty. Avoid the misery this year by preparing a healthy dessert that tastes great and is simple to prepare. Skip the pumpkin pie, and impress your guests with this recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice "Ice Cream" containing just frozen bananas, pumpkin pie spices and walnuts! This dessert is guilt-free and vegan; and every ingredient contributes to your health, so you can actually feel good about indulging in it!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF THIS RECIPE
Bananas
Bananas are loaded with potassium, which increases energy and protects against high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and stroke. Bananas also contain soluble fiber that helps maintain regular digestion.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
A typical commercial blend of pumpkin pie spice contains: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. All of these spices promote good health. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar, even in folks with type 2 diabetes. It also contains antioxidants, which contribute to cardiovascular health. Ginger has been shown to reduce inflammation and nausea, and it may also lower cholesterol. Nutmeg promotes sleep, and it actually kills cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Cloves can reduce heartburn, aid in digestion and ease toothache pain. Cloves also contain high levels of antioxidants to neutralize free radicals!
Walnuts
These wonderful nuts contain high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve blood flow and promote overall heart and bone health. Like many nuts, they also lower the risk of gallstones and help prevent weight gain.
PUMPKIN PIE SPICE "ICE CREAM" RECIPE
2 frozen bananas, chopped into 1-inch slices (peel and freeze at least one day in advance)
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice*
1/4-1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Place the chopped bananas into a food processor, and process on high speed until a crumbly consistency is achieved. (Click here for my video demonstration: http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=352C18699A....) Remove lid, scrape down the sides and sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice. Process on high (scraping the sides, as needed) until the banana crumbles come together to form one large mass and the texture resembles ice cream. Transfer the mixture to bowls, sprinkle with nuts (optional) and enjoy! This recipe serves 1 to 2 guests.
*Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of spices that is available in most baking aisles. Be sure to read the ingredients list to verify that it contains no additives. Choose a brand that contains just "cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves."
SOURCES
http://www.naturalnews.com/034151_bananas_nu...
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/cin...
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-00...
http://completewellbeing.com/article/a-nutty...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/346761-gro...
http://ezinearticles.com/?Ground-Cloves,-the...
http://healthcave.com/walnuts-health-benefit...
http://walnutsweb.com/walnuts/Health+Benefit...
About the author
At GroceryGeek.com, Christy Pooschke teaches consumers how to reduce their reliance on processed food. Christy is also the author of an "Additive-Free" Cookbook & Grocery Shopping Guide, and she offers personalized consultations, as well! Check out her blog to learn how to shop for and prepare additive-free, natural foods. You'll love the free recipes, shopping tips and videos! Subscribe to "Grocery Geek" via email on the site's main page or follow Grocery Geek on Facebook!
Christy's passion for eating REAL food was sparked in 2007 when she eliminated her Fibromyalgia symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. Until this time, she had been ingesting a Standard American Diet of boxed dinners, soda pop, candy and fast food; and she was very ill. Since regaining her health with an additive-free diet, Christy has been on a mission to educate others about the dangers lurking in their cabinets and to help them achieve maximum health by reducing their reliance on processed foods.
In her free time, Christy operates Completely Nourished, Inc., a non-profit organization she founded to educate folks about natural foods, natural health and natural living. Check out the resources, recipes and online community available at www.CompletelyNourished.org. It's free!
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