Peppermint Dessert Freeze

Greetings!

Today I wanted to share with you a favorite new treat! It is perfect for this most wonderful time of year! And, it can be enjoyed by everyone! It's dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.

Peppermint Dessert Freeze
(makes about 4 small servings)

Ingredients:
1. 2 frozen bananas (in halves)
2. 1.5 cups almond milk
3. 1 cup ice
4. 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (natural)
5. 4 tablespoons chocolate chips + more for garnish, optional

Directions:
Blend frozen bananas, almond milk, ice, until smooth. Add 4 tablespoons of chocolate chips (I used dairy-free). Blend on low, just enough to break the chips into smaller pieces. Serve in adorable glasses.. and garnish with additional chocolate chips if desired.
















Disclaimer: I am not saying that chocolate chips are healthy. I live by the 90/10 % diet. 90% percent of the time I eat amazingly healthy. 10% of the time I eat chocolate... well maybe only 2%. ;) Learning about the importance of not depriving yourself in my studies this year at Integrative Nutrition this past year has inspired me to start enjoying (organic, dairy-free) chocolate more!

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of the holiday season!

P.S. 'Taste for Healthy' now has a Facebook page! I am so excited to connect with like-minded wellness and nutrition enthusiasts!

Mint Chocolate Chip 'Ice Cream' & Exciting News!

Greetings! And happy Friday! I hope you have all had a wonderful week!

In celebration of 'National Ice Cream Month,' banana soft serve 'ice cream' has been enjoyed on an almost daily basis. ♥

My favorite combination at the moment...

Mint & Chip 'Ice Cream'!

 
Ingredients:

• 1 banana (frozen, in halves)
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbls. almond milk
• 1/4 tsp. mint extract
• cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)

Directions:
Combine banana, vanilla, almond milk, & mint extract in a food processor. Garnish with cacao nibs or chocolate chips! So delicious... ♥

Exciting News!

As many of you know, I am a student at Integrative Nutrition, and recently started my health coaching practice! I already have 4 clients that I meet with every other week! ♥

And... yesterday I received some exciting news! As an ambassador of the school, Integrative Nutrition has given me the ability to select individuals to receive $1,000 scholarships! (I wish I could have been a recipient of one of these when I enrolled last December!) 

If you adore health & wellness, are passionate about inspiring individuals to enjoy healthy lifestyles, are interested in being an entrepreneur... Integrative Nutrition might be a perfect fit for you! I am always excited to share my experiences! My e-mail is TasteforHealthy@gmail.com.

I've only been a student for 7 months, but Integrative Nutrition has already changed my life in so many ways. Getting my 4-year degree at a university was a great experience, but Integrative Nutrition has already proven to be wayyyyy more practical when it comes to actually creating a meaningful career that makes a positive difference in peoples' lives. ♥

If you are interesting in learning more, check out this page!

Have an amazing weekend!!!

Elana's Peppermint Patties!

Greetings!

Do you ever feel like you are keeping a secret, because you know how to create better, healthier versions of favorite childhood treats? I feel that way sometimes... well, actually, right now! ;)

Because of this...

Remember those York Peppermint Patties?













I remember my great grandma would always have a bag handy, and she would never have my sister and I leave without a handful each. :)

However... do you know what ingredients are in those?! Sugar, corn syrup, semi- sweet chocolate (chocolate, sugar, cocoa, milk fat, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR), emulsifier, vanillian, artificial flavor), invert sugar, egg whites, and oil of peppermint.

Yikes! Chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, & animal by-products. No thanks... these days we know better!

Anyways, you can probably imagine my excitement when I came across a healthier version of these mints via Elana's Pantry. Her recipe is amazing!

What are your favorite treats from childhood? And, have you made a healthier version of them? :)