Three ingredients to provide five easy, healthy, delicious recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth.

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We know that sugar is not at all healthy. However, for the majority of us, that does not mean that natural-occurring sugars in fruits should also be avoided. We all deserve a little sweetness in our lives, and these recipes provide this in the healthiest and tastiest way possible. The same three ingredients, put together in various ways, give such a different result, yet all so satisfying and delicious.

Another bonus – these recipes are also dairy-free, gluten-free, and egg-free, with no added sugar, salt, oil, or preservatives. It can’t get any better!

Do comment and let me know what you think, or perhaps devise another variation you’d like to share!

1. Ice Cream Pieces

Slice bananas, dip in orange juice and roll in desiccated coconut. Freeze on a tray for an hour or so. It tastes like ice cream, so savour it and enjoy!

2. Smoothie

Blend a large banana, half a cup of unsweetened coconut milk and half a cup of fresh orange juice. Serve alongside frozen orange segments.

3. Ice Cream

Slice one large banana and freeze on a tray for one hour. Blend banana in a food processor with three tbsps. of coconut milk, and a few drops of vanilla extract. Blend until consistency of soft-serve ice cream and sprinkle orange zest on top. If desired, toast some desiccated coconut in a dry skillet until it starts to turn brown and serve on the side.

4. Post-Workout Drink

Blend one cup of coconut water, one large banana, and half a cup of fresh orange juice with ice.

5. Baked Banana À L’Orange

Place a peeled banana in tin foil, sprinkle desiccated coconut and some orange zest. Bake in an oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring one cup of orange juice to the boil, let it bubble until reduced and begins to thicken. Once cooled, pour the orange sauce over the baked banana.

Note: A little dark chocolate could be sneaked into any of these recipes just for added antioxidants. For the Ice Cream Pieces, dip the banana slices in melted dark chocolate, then roll in desiccated coconut and freeze. For the Baked Banana, make a slit down the banana, tuck in dark chocolate nibs, then bake.

Nutrition Notes

• Bananas are high in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and promotes good bone health. High in fiber, bananas contribute to a healthy heart and bowel.

• Coconuts are high in lauric acid, known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. High in medium-chain saturated fats, coconut oil helps protect against heart disease and lowers cholesterol. These medium-chain fats also promote weight loss, as metabolic rate is increased.

• Coconut water is great as a post-workout drink. It is high in electrolytes and helps rehydration.

Oranges are high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant to protect cells against damage. High flavonoid content helps lower blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Visit the Health & Vitality page to find out more about Liza's business.

^{This article was originally published on Health and Vitality blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author. 
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit:  Coconut vegan yogurt served in coconut with banana chips, pomegranate and chia seeds from Shutterstock}

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