Healthy Banana Split Sundaes

August 13, 2018

Whether you’re feeding a house full of kids or want to feel like a kid again yourself, these Healthy Banana Split Sundaes are the perfect snack or dessert for you!

Nut Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Dairy Free option, Soy Free, Egg Free

With back to school season right around the corner, there’s no better time to focus on helping Kids Eat Right! Good thing August is Kids Eat Right month!

Ahh the timing ;)…

When I think of back-to-school season I think of back to routine.

One thing that was constant from elementary school through high school for me was having an after school snack. My mom ran a pretty tight ship (sorry mom, but true!) where if we didn’t have an after school activity right after school, it was snack, homework, then play time. None of that homework procrastination shenanigans…

Thinking back on it, I can hardly remember what my mom usually gave us for afternoon snacks. There was always fruit in the house, and thanks to my allergies, usually homemade cookies.

One thing I do know is that I wish I had these banana split sundaes!

I know it can be hard to come up with delicious and nutritious after-school snacks — or let’s be honest work snacks — so here’s my go-to checklist:

Make it nutritious
Make it delicious
Make it EASY!

Because who has time to slave over snack time?!

I am especially obsessed with these healthy banana split sundaes because you can get your kids involved too! I cannot wait for my niece to be old enough to cook with! When kids are involved in their food preparation they’re more likely to eat healthier foods. #truth

[Tweet “Get your kids in the kitchen with these healthy banana split sundaes! “]

So let’s create a banana split “bar…” Put out a bunch of toppings, and let the kids go wiiiild decorating their banana and yogurt – because isn’t this so much more FUN?!

Start with your banana and yogurt…

Then throw on your toppings…

Chia seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Shredded coconut

Raisins

Chocolate chips

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seed butter or other nut butter (if no allergies!)

Crushed Puffins, or other high fiber cereal

…The options are really endless!

This really isn’t a recipe, per se, but a combination of delicious and nutritious ingredients that are assembled into an easy snack.

So how do we build a nourishing snack?

I look for a balance of high fiber carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. I like to tell clients to aim for 2 out of these 3 major nutrients when it comes to snack time.

Here’s the nutritional breakdown of these healthy banana split sundaes…

Carbohydrates – Fruit, and in this case the banana, is a source of high fiber carbohydrates. A medium banana contains just over 3 grams of dietary fiber.

Nutrition tip: Kids need fiber too! A general rule of thumb is to add 5 to your child’s age to figure out their fiber needs. So if your child is 5 years old, they need at least 10 grams of fiber daily.

Protein – Yogurt in this recipe is a good source of protein. If you’re using a dairy-free yogurt, be sure to add protein-filled toppings, like seeds and nuts (if no allergies exist).

Healthy fats – Depending on the toppings you use, this recipe can be full of healthy fats! Healthy fats can be found in seeds, nuts, and coconut.

Nutrition tip: Add more unsaturated fats over saturated fats to your diet. Nuts and seeds are full of unsaturated fats!

These Healthy Banana Split Sundaes are…

A fun snack to help kids eat right
Easy to whip up
Customizable based on your likes and dietary needs
A well-balanced snack, dessert, or even breakfast
Delicious