Banana Splits

These banana splits are so delicious your kids will mistake them for desserts!

 What you’ll need:

• bananas (1 or 2 per snack)
• plain yogurt
• peanut butter (optional)
• chopped walnuts
• coconut 
• granola
• sliced strawberries or other fruits

First, slice the bananas in half (length-wise) and place them on a plate or in a bowl. Next, add a few generous tablespoons of plain yogurt to the top of the bananas. Now you can let your kids add chopped walnuts, granola, coconut, peanut butter, and/or sliced fruit to the mix.

Nutrition facts on the snack:

You don’t have to tell your kids how healthy these banana splits really are! These make for great treats that don’t have half as much sugar and fat as store-bought banana splits made with ice cream.

Bananas are loaded with a mineral called potassium. Potassium is important for proper growth in children. It can also lower the risk of high blood pressure that can lead to many health problems.

Peanut butter is found in the “Meat and Alternatives” food group on Canada’s Food Guide. It is packed with protein, iron, healthy fats and fibre. These are all important for proper child growth and development. Protein will also keep your kids full, which helps tie them over until their next meal.

Fun fact: This snack includes three out of the four food groups from Canada’s Food Guide. Who would have thought a banana split could be this healthy?

Tip: Turn this banana split into a frozen treat by placing the finished snack into the freezer for an hour or so before serving!

Recipe adapted from: http://blog.superhealthykids.com/2010/12/kids-favorite-healthy-banana-split/

Photo credit: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lltjpp1Rtv1qf4zb3o1_500.jpg