Weight Loss Recipes

Water is required by each cell of your body in order to function normally and help you become the “healthiest you.” While your body will also obtain water from other fluids you drink, water is far-and-away the best choice. Water has so many benefits from increasing energy and relieving fatigue to boosting your immune system and of course, also promoting weight loss. One way that water helps with your weight loss journey is by fueling your workouts. If you’re dehydrated, your workouts will not be as effective. But water also helps you feel full and potentially eat less. Sometimes a glass of water is enough to curb what you thought was hunger.

While you probably already knew the importance of water, you still might struggle with fitting in all that extra hydration. Sometimes it’s even just a matter of getting so busy that you forget to keep up with drinking. We know you’ve heard a lot of tips before, but we did some research and have come up with 10 more water-drinking-hacks that you can add to your arsenal. Try these easy ways to drink more water:

1. Set an Alarm

If you’re like most people you probably always have your phone on you. Well now you can use that alarm for more than your early morning wake-up call. Set an alarm to go off every hour to remind you to drink up. It’s so easy to get caught up with what you’re doing and fail to drink as much as you should but this will help provide an easy reminder.

2. Band It

If you’re more of a visual person, this hack is for you. Start your day with at least eight rubber bands around your wrist. Each time you drink about a cup of water, remove one rubber band. Make sure you’ve removed them all by the end of the day and you’ll know you fit in your eight (or more) cups that day.

3. Hashmark your Bottle

Another visual reminder, by using a permanent marker to add hashmarks to your water bottle, you can know exactly where you stand with water consumption for the day. Next to each hashmark write a time which corresponds with the time you plan to drink up. When the clock strikes that time, drink until you’ve hit the next hashmark.

4. Buy a Water Bottle You Love

It sounds silly but investing in a bottle that you really love just may help you drink more. There are a lot of bottles on the market. In fact, if you’re not much of a DIY type of person, they even sell water bottles that are already hashmarked (per the suggestion above). There are water bottles that allow you to easily infuse fruit and others that advertise keeping your drink cold all day long. Or you could even just buy a cup with a straw that has a favorite saying or character on it. Something as simple as a cup you love just may be the motivation you need.

5. Set a Rule

Another way to remind yourself is to set a rule based around a regular occurrence. For instance, you could decide that every time you go to the bathroom you have to drink one more cup of water. If you have another ongoing occurrence throughout the day, you can set your cup drinking to that. It just serves as an easy reminder to tie it to something you’re already regularly doing.

6. Eat Your Water

There’s no rule that says you must drink all your water. If you really struggle with water consumption try adding more water-packed foods to your day such as watermelon, cantaloupe or cucumber. This will help boost your intake even if you’re struggling with drinking it all down.

7. Switch your Brand

You’ve probably already heard the tip about adding flavor to your water to make it tastier but maybe just switching your brand could make a difference. Or maybe you prefer mineral water. If you’re currently drinking unfiltered water, invest in a filter and see if that makes it more appealing. If you make your water more enjoyable, you’ll likely drink more of it.

8. Add a Straw

Some people find that drinking from a straw is easier. It’s a simple switch but might be worth trying if it will help you drink more water. Whether you drink from a straw or not, sipping water—as opposed to gulping it down—is always much more pleasant so focus on taking it slow and you just may find you can fit more in.

9. Start Early

If you’re like a lot of people you might kick off your morning with a glass of juice or a cup of coffee. Why not try drinking a glass of water before anything else? One of the biggest issues with fitting in eight cups a day is that most people don’t start their water consumption until late morning as they’re typically drinking something else first. But if you make water your first drink of the day you’re setting yourself up for success. In fact, you might even find you don’t need that glass of juice now that you’re fully hydrated on healthy H20.

10. Add Ice

Again, simple but effective. Adding ice may make your water more appealing—particularly on a hot day or after a work-out. You can even take it a step further and use ice as the way to add flavor to your drink. Freeze ice cube trays full of fruits or herbs and plunk them in your drink for both a boost of flavor and a temperature cool down.

 

The post 10 Simple Hacks to Help You Drink More Water appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/drink-more-water/

Protein shakes are fantastic to have on hand. They take mere minutes to prepare, they’re easy to take on the go, plus, they make for a tasty treat that can help keep you feeling fuller for longer stretches of time. Nutrisystem Shakes are no exception. With each delicious vanilla and chocolate shake, you get a whopping 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber… all at just 120 calories.

And that’s not even the sweetest part! While our customers will attest that the Nutrisystem Shakes are totally tasty on their own, you can also doctor them up to suit any kind of craving. Whether you’ve got rich and creamy chocolate on the brain or you’re in the mood for something tropical and refreshing, you can use your protein mixes as a foundation for any number of flavorful concoctions.

Running low on Nutrisystem Shakes? Quick! Click here to stock up > 

Check out this round-up of delicious smoothies you can make with your Nutrisystem shakes:

Helpful hint: Simply click on the recipe name to get the full recipe!

1. Pot of Gold Mint Shake >

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie >

3. Pineapple Mango Smoothie >

4. Berry Delicious Smoothie >

5. Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Smoothie >

6. Lemon Cooler Shake >

7. Kiwi Vanilla Smoothie >

8. Red, White and Blueberry Smoothie >

9. Green Tropics Smoothie >

10. Chocolate Coconut Smoothie >

11. Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie >

For more delicious smoothie recipes that you can make with your Nutrisystem Shakes, visit the Shakes and Smoothies category in the Recipe Center.

The post 11 Tasty Smoothies You Can Make With Your Nutrisystem Shakes appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/10-tasty-smoothies-you-can-make-with-your-turboshakes/

Sean and Catherine Lowe are living proof that weight loss truly is better together. As parents of three, “The Bachelor” stars knew they needed a convenient plan that would work for the both of them.

After having her third child in December 2019, Catherine was ready to take control of her health and wellness. Sean put on some weight during the first couple months of the COVID-19 pandemic and realized he needed to start making better decisions. “We decided to go back to Nutrisystem, something we’ve done in the past and had a lot of success with in the past,” says Sean. “It’s a no brainer.”

The Nutrisystem Partner Plan has been a perfect fit for their busy lifestyle. “Sean and I went on the Nutrisystem Partner Plan together during quarantine and I feel amazing,” says Catherine. “Losing weight can be really frustrating sometimes, so having a buddy to keep you motivated can make a huge difference. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.”

According to Sean, it’s impossible for him to stick to a diet if he knows Catherine is ordering pizza for dinner and vice versa. “We’ve found that being healthy is only possible if we’re both in it together,” he says. “She is my accountability partner.”

Not only has having an accountability partner helped Sean and Catherine stick to their plan, research shows that dieting with a partner can actually lead to greater weight loss.

In a study of more than 3,500 couples, published in JAMA Internal Medicine,¹ researchers found that when both partners joined a weight loss program and one partner had success, the other partner was three times more likely to shed pounds, too. In the study, both men and women had almost twice as much success losing weight when they did so with their partner compared to couples who went it alone.

According to The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC),² another study discovered that this could be because you develop good habits together: In that study, dieters with partners were better at making lifestyle changes compared to those who went solo. “Losing weight is hard. Losing weight by yourself is harder,” says AJMC.

The Nutrisystem Partner Plan is the perfect solution for two people living together who want to lose weight. It’s not restricted to just couples, you can also do it with a roommate or another family member in your household! Support, motivate and inspire each other to reach your goals while celebrating your successes along the way. It’s a built-in support system that can’t be beat!

The program provides an easy-to-follow two-week weight loss plan for two people. You and your weight loss partner get to enjoy top-rated frozen and non-frozen Nutrisystem meals and snacks for five days a week. You also get to add in Flex meals and fresh grocery items for more flexibility.

Catherine loves that she gets to choose her menu and that Nutrisystem foods are pre-portioned, delicious and easy to prepare. “I love how convenient and satisfying the meals are and they are perfectly portion-controlled,” says Catherine. “The portion sizes are perfect for weight loss and the food is craveable.”

Sean agrees. “I like the ease of it all. The food tastes great,” he says. He also enjoys that the food “can be prepared in minutes.”

To date, Sean has lost 15 pounds* on Nutrisystem and Catherine has lost 25 pounds*. “Catherine has used Nutrisystem to help her drop some unwanted pounds and I’ve used it as an easy, go-to meal that replaces any urge to order out,” explains Sean.

For Sean and Catherine, the Nutrisystem Partner Plan was just what they needed to start 2021 on the right track. “As we kick off a new year, I’m feeling so grateful for my health,” says Catherine.

*All Nutrisystem testimonials are real success stories collected from customers, celebrities or casting call participants who lost weight on current or prior programs. Expect to lose an average of 1-2 lbs per week.

Sources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25599511/ 
2. https://www.ajmc.com/view/weight-loss-easier-when-partners-work-together-study-finds

The post Sean and Catherine Lowe Prove Weight Loss is Better Together appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/sean-and-catherine-lowe-nutrisystem/

Sure, you can try every iteration of your favorite shampoo, buy fancy face creams and moisturize your cuticles to your heart’s content—and your hair, skin and nails will likely reap the beauty benefits.

However, the vitamins and minerals that you eat can also affect how great you look and feel—and you’ve likely got room to optimize your nutrition for an even better daily life. According to the peer-reviewed scientific journal Dermato-Endocrinology, “Beauty comes from the inside.”¹

Here are six essential beauty-boosting nutrients, and the foods to find them in:

1. Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, your body needs vitamin C to make collagen, a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks of skin. Collagen keeps your skin from sagging and is necessary for wound healing.^2,3 Loops around the sun don’t have to completely ruin your hair, skin, and nails. Vitamin C also serves as a powerful antioxidant, with some studies suggesting that it can even help prevent skin damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) light.³

Foods high in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits and their juices
• Red and green peppers
• Kiwi fruits
• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes²

2. Vitamin E

According to Oregon State University, “Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Naturally occurring vitamin E is not a single compound; instead, vitamin E is a group of molecules with related structures, some of which may have unique properties in skin.” With its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can absorb the energy from UV light, which damages skin and leads to wrinkles and sagging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties in the skin and works with vitamin C to strengthen cells.⁴ One small study also found people with hair loss experienced an over 30 percent increase in hair growth after supplementing with vitamin E for 8 months.⁵

Foods high in vitamin E include:

• Vegetable oils, like sunflower or safflower
• Nuts, like peanuts and almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Green vegetables, like spinach and broccoli⁶

3. Vitamin D

While the jury is still out on the extent to which vitamin D can lead to hair regrowth, not having vitamin D negatively impacts hair health. Some studies have even found that low vitamin D levels may be associated with female pattern hair loss, the most common type of hair loss in women.⁷ Other research suggests the symptoms of alopecia areata—an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss—may be more severe in people with low levels of vitamin D.⁸ Like vitamin C, vitamin D also may play a role in wound healing.⁹

Foods high in vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish, like salmon and tuna
• Fish liver oils
• Vitamin-D fortified foods, like milk, breakfast cereal and orange juice
• Beef liver, cheese and egg yolks (small amounts)
• Mushrooms (small amounts)¹⁰

4. Biotin

When most people think of vitamins for hair, skin and nails, biotin may be the first thing to come to mind. “Due to its relatively low cost and abundance of availability in cosmetic products, biotin has become the new trend for consumers wishing to have longer, healthier hair and nails,” says researchers in the journal Skin Appendage Disorders.¹¹

Low levels of vitamin B7, also known as biotin, can lead to hair loss.¹² In one 2016 study, biotin deficiency was found in 38 percent of women who were experiencing hair loss.¹¹ Most commercially-available hair, skin and nails supplements are extremely high in biotin. A few smaller studies suggest biotin supplements may help strengthen weak and brittle nails.¹³ However, research on biotin supplementation is limited. “Future studies are needed to determine whether biotin supplements might improve hair, nail, and skin health, especially among healthy individuals,” says the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.¹⁴

Foods high in biotin include:

• Eggs, fish, meat and organ meats (e.g., liver)
• Vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach
• Nuts and seeds¹²

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that have been shown to help protect your heart, lower blood pressure and even reduce inflammation.¹⁵ What you may not realize is that omega-3s may also benefit your skin and hair.^16,17 Research suggests omega-3s may help protect against sun damage, as well as help keep your skin stay moist, firm, flexible and smooth.¹⁶ Some preliminary studies suggest omega-3s may boost hair growth and reduce hair loss.^18,19

Foods high in omega-3s include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna
• Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds
• Plant oils, like flax oil and canola oil
• Fortified foods like some brands of eggs, yogurt, milk and juices²⁰

6. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for every stage of wound healing, from skin repair to preventing infections. Zinc functions as an antioxidant.²¹ According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, research shows that zinc may reduce sebum production in the skin and protect against bacteria and inflammation.²² It’s also used as a mineral on sunscreens to protect the skin from sun damage.

“Moderate zinc deficiency causes pigmentation changes, decreased hair and nail growth, and skin lesions on body sites exposed to repeated pressure and friction in particular,” says Oregon State University. They explain further that six percent of all of zinc in the body is found in the skin. Zinc oxide can also protect the skin from sun damage and is commonly used as a “safe and effective physical sunscreen.”²³

Foods high in zinc include:

• Oysters
• Red meat, poultry and seafood like crab and lobster
• Fortified cereal
• Beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy (limited amounts)²⁴

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/
3. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
4. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24575202/
6. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5007917/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/
9. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-D
10. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5582478/
12. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-Consumer/
13. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
14. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
15. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids
16. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/essential-fatty-acids
17. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/omega-3-for-hair
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164340/
19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573272/
20. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793244/
22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23652948/
23. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/minerals
24. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/

The post Beauty Food: 6 Nutrients for Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/vitamins-healthy-hair-skin-nails/

As if you need convincing to eat more sweet, delicious pineapple during the summer months, it’s a surprisingly perfect fruit for weight loss: One cup of chunks has just 82 calories, and is sweet enough to satisfy any dessert craving. That cup also packs 131 percent of your daily Vitamin C, and comes with minerals including potassium, folate and manganese. Pineapple is a delicious way to lose weight fast.

So chop some up and enjoy—and then try these seven other healthy ways to savor pineapple this summer:

1. As a protein-packed Pina Colada:

Sweet, delicious blender drinks don’t just have to be for by the pool—you can enjoy one any time and get filling, muscle-building protein in the process with this simple pina colada protein smoothie.

You’ll need:
• 1 serving Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake mix (click here to stock up! >)
• 1 cup of ice
• 1/2 cup of pineapple juice or 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 3 drops of coconut extract

To make it: Mix all the ingredients in the blender for 30 to 60 seconds, or until smooth. If using fresh pineapple, you may need a splash of water. Enjoy right away.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb.

Here’s a video that shows you how to make it:

2. As an easy frozen treat:

If you love ice cream, make a pile of these frozen yogurt pineapple popsicles for whenever a sweet, creamy craving strikes.

Mix together four cups of nonfat plain yogurt with one cup of pineapple juice and two cups of fresh pineapple cut into chunks. Pour these into four popsicle molds (or paper cups with sticks) and freeze for four or more hours. One serving is one popsicle.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb.

3. As a warm, gooey grilled dessert:

Grilling already sweet fruits like watermelon, peaches, and pineapples bring out even more of the naturally sweet flavors, and make an incredible—yet on-plan—dessert option for summer barbecues. And the built-in hole in a pineapple ring is the perfect receptacle for making it an even more refreshing dessert—by filling it with frozen yogurt. This is the perfect weight loss treat for your diet plan.

Start by freezing plain, nonfat yogurt in one cup servings. Spray the grill with nonstick spray, and then place the pineapple rings on top. Let them cook for about 15 seconds on each side, or until they get TV cooking show-worthy grill lines, then flip. Cook for 15 seconds more.

Top two rings with the cup of frozen yogurt, and then add the kicker: Sprinkle on one tablespoon of unsweetened coconut flakes. This is considered one serving.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

4. As a cool, creamy two-ingredient slush:

This ridiculously simple pineapple whip has all the refreshment of a Sno-Cone without a visit from the ice cream truck (because, honestly, who still gets a visit from one?) and just two ingredients: Blend together four cups of frozen pineapple chunks with one cup of unsweetened almond milk (plain or vanilla flavored). And … well, there’s no and. That’s it. Those two ingredients make four delicious servings.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb

Here’s a video that shows you how to make it:

5. As a healthy flavor booster for your daily water:

There are myriad reasons to drink lots of water while you’re trying to lose weight. Studies have shown that drinking water throughout the day, before a meal, after waking up—all can lead to increased weight loss success. So, too, has drinking it really cold: Because your body has to warm the water up to your body temperature to digest it, it’s one of very few foods or beverages that has negative caloric impact on your diet making it an easy way to lose weight.

But for many, it can be boring. Adding flavored ice cubes or slices of cucumber to the pitcher can turn that bland glass into something worth savoring. To do it with pineapple, try blending one half-cup of pineapple chunks with half a blender of water. Pour the resulting blend into ice cube trays, and try one with your next big glass.

6. As you pretend you’re at a tropical hotel with a quick, easy juice cocktail:

When you check into a beautiful hotel in a tropical locale, the waitstaff brings a juice cocktail to start the trip—it’s sweet, delicious, and kickstarts your time off with a dash of class.

But that feeling doesn’t have to be for once yearly or once-in-a-lifetime trips: You can make the same kind of cocktail for yourself at home, easily—and it can fit in with your weight loss plans.

For real luxury, try making yours with fresh-squeezed juices: Use a blender to blend up one cup of pineapple, then strain it to get the juice (or, if you have a juicer, use that). Mix a half cup of this pineapple juice with a half cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice. Mix that with a half cup of water and drop in a fresh cherry. Stir it up, and enjoy. Each half-cup is considered one serving.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 SmartCarb

7. For breakfast in these pineapple upside-down banana pancakes:

It’s like a guilt-free cake for breakfast, takes just a few minutes, and has no flour or added sugar. A delicious way to lose weight! This recipe makes eight pancakes. Two pancakes count as one serving.

You’ll need:
• 2 ripe bananas
• 4 whole eggs
• 8 fresh or canned pineapple rings

To make it:
1. Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
2. Mix the mashed bananas with the 4 eggs until you have a thinner, pancake-like batter.
3. Heat a pan over medium and spray with zero-calorie cooking spray.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup batter. Cook for about 30 seconds, then place a pineapple ring on top.
5. Cook for 60 more seconds, then flip.
6. Cook this opposite side for 60-90 more seconds.

On Nutrisystem, counts as: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb

The post 7 Delicious Ways to Eat Pineapple this Season appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/7-delicious-ways-to-enjoy-pineapple-this-season/

Sure, you can simply peel and eat ’em: These sweet and creamy fruits are packed with heart-healthy potassium, filling fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals; on Nutrisystem, one medium banana counts as one SmartCarb. In fact, bananas are our top logged SmartCarb in NuMi, our easy-to-use food tracker app, being logged 510,925 times! If you’ve got some super ripe bananas sitting on your counter, and a little time on your hands, you can turn these awesome fruits into an array of banana recipes. Think banana bread, muffins, pancakes, smoothies and more!

Try one (or all!) of these ten banana recipes and prepare to go “bananas”:

1. Gluten Free Banana Bread  >

To kick off our banana recipes, this delicious banana bread is a tasty classic that comes to mind when you’re cooking with bananas, and this healthy treat does not disappoint. Applesauce helps it bake soft and moist, ripe bananas and cinnamon offer the perfect blend of sweet and spice, and each hearty slice contains only 150 calories. Plus, it’s made with gluten free flour for people who have wheat allergies or other sensitivities. Click here for the full recipe! >

2. Banana Nut Overnight Oatmeal >

Don’t let the idea of an “overnight” recipe scare you: All you have to do is toss a bunch of ingredients into a mason jar, stick in the fridge and voila—a ready-to-eat breakfast that’s equal parts nutritious and delicious. It’s got fresh-sliced banana and crushed walnuts, flavorful almond milk and maple syrup, and oats that are packed with satisfying fiber and protein. Enjoy the oatmeal cold; or heat up the jar if you prefer a warm meal to start your day. Each serving clocks in at 276 calories. Click here for the full recipe! >

3. Rise & Dine Chocolate Crepes >

Paging all chocolate lovers: That “something sweet” you need to start your day is right here. These delicious crepes are light, airy and easy to make. Fill them with a combo of cream cheese, yogurt, vanilla and banana slices, and top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a picture-perfect finishing touch. Two crepes contain 217 calories and count as one Smart Carb, one PowerFuel and one Extra on Nutrisystem. Click here for the full recipe! >

4. 5-Ingredient Banana Nut Muffins >

No need for flour, sugar, eggs, separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients, or any other complicated steps to make these muffins. With this recipe, it’s five simple ingredients (bananas, oats, raisins, cashews and cinnamon), one bowl and about 15 minutes in the oven. Not into raisins? No problem. Swap them out for cranberries or any other dried fruit. No cashews in your pantry? Use another favorite nut, like almonds or walnuts. Personalize your muffin to make the perfect grab-and-go snack. On Nutrisystem, one muffin counts as one SmartCarb and one PowerFuel. Click here for the full recipe! >

5. 4-Ingredient Banana Nice Cream >

Get this: One cup of standard vanilla ice cream weighs in at 273 calories and 28 grams of sugar, according to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). And that’s just plain old vanilla. With Nutrisystem’s nice cream, however, feel free to dive in spoon first, sans the worry. This banana-flavored version offers the same creamy sweetness you expect from the frozen treat, but at 110 calories per serving. And you just need bananas, almond milk, vanilla, salt and a blender to make it. Puree to a soft-serve consistency or pop it in the freezer for a firmer texture. Click here for the full recipe! >

6. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes >

Bananas of course, plus eggs and cinnamon: Mash and mix, pour and flip. It’s that simple. You get four hearty pancakes that count as two PowerFuels and one Smart Carb. Top them with a Tablespoon of maple syrup (and add one Extra). Click here for the full recipe! >

7. Chocolate Covered Banana Bites >

You get the rich and indulgent flavor you crave in each decadent bite, with absolutely none of the guilt. And this frozen treat layers on the good stuff: Shredded coconut, peanut butter and chocolate coat a chunk of banana for a little piece of dessert heaven on a popsicle stick. On Nutrisystem, each serving counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra. Click here for the full recipe! >

8. 3-Step Banana Pudding >

For some, banana pudding is pure comfort food. For others, it’s a taste of nostalgia. Whatever you’re feeling when you savor a spoonful of one of the creamiest banana recipes, the one emotion you won’t have is guilt. That’s because each serving contains 149 calories—and the serving is pretty large. Have it all and it counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and two Extras. Click here for the full recipe! >

9. Banana Split “Nice” Cream >

It doesn’t seem possible that this dessert is diet-friendly: Chocolate chips, peanuts, strawberry sauce and chunks of banana over a bowl of cold, creamy goodness. But it most certainly is: The “nice” cream—made from bananas, vanilla and nonfat Greek yogurt—is packed with protein. The sauce—made from simmered and smashed fresh strawberries—offers a punch of vitamin C; and the peanuts provide healthy fats. The combination: just 259 calories per serving. Click here for the full recipe! >

10. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie >

The last of our banana recipes is a classic treat. Three favorite flavors, one yummy smoothie. To make it, blend a frozen banana, a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter and a serving of the Nutrisystem Chocolate Shake Mix with a little ice and water until smooth and sip-able. Each smoothie counts as two PowerFuels and one SmartCarb. Click here for the full recipe! >

The post 10 Banana Recipes You’ll Go Bananas For appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/banana-recipes/