Go Bananas for Bananas!

Did you know… the banana is not actually a tree but, the world's largest herb? Not only are bananas delicious, they are loaded with nutrients! They are naturally “prepackaged” making them the perfect grab and go snack.  These yellow-skinned treats are ideal for health because they have a sweet and creamy taste most people enjoy. Have a banana for your afternoon snack to help peel away the pounds.

Bananas are an awesome source of potassium, packing in about 300mg-400mg per medium banana. The Banana’s high potassium content may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.  With only 110 calories, 3g fiber, and 2g protein for a medium banana they are a great addition to your daily diet. Bananas also contain electrolytes, which are essential for maintaining fluid levels and preventing dehydration. This makes bananas an excellent pre or post workout snack.  Due to the abundance of vitamins and minerals, bananas are a great source of natural energy.  Next time you begin to feel sluggish midday, grab yourself a banana and skip that second cup of coffee.

Metabo What?

By: Jeff, H3 Program Intern

Oh the infamous metabo meal, where do I start?

In itself, the metabo meal is its own little secret, but the key to this time of day is to take a break from fitness classes and begin exercising your creativity.  After being here for two months, you start to learn the tricks of the trade, and how to experience true metabovation. 

However, before I reveal the secrets, let’s go over the common questions regarding the notorious metabo meal and why it’s important to never skip out!



What exactly is a “metabo meal”?    H3 term for a healthy snack that H3 Guests have in order to keep their metabolism going. The meal is designed by H3 nutritionists to keep the body in constant energy balance throughout the day. That extra “mojo” if you will.

What time should someone eat a metabo meal?   2 to 3 times a day at 10:30am, 3:30pm, and 8:00pm are perfect times to metabo it up!

How much do we get to eat?   100 calories. (Probably doesn’t sound like a lot, but that’s why you’re tuning in today. Sooner than later you’ll find out it can certainly be 100 calories of fun!)

What happens if we skip a metabo meal?   First of all, don’t panic! However, do your best to keep up with these “metabo meals” because that way you never get any overwhelming feelings of hunger.

 

Secrets exposed:

1.  Switch it up – never have the same metabo meal twice in a day.
2.  Mix it and match it – not all the snacks are 100 calories so play with the combinations.
3.  Find a topping – cinnamon, cocoa powder, and flax seeds are a few workable options.
4.  Change the temperature – take advantage of your microwave or freezer.
5.  Come to FIT Week – group metabo meals are anything but ordinary!

 

H3 Featured Concoctions

The Banana-Rama Rice Cake Smorgasbord
Inspired and created by H3 Guest Anca Huizenga

-  ½ Banana (50 calories)

-  1 Apple Cinnamon Rice Cake (50 Calories)

-  Cinnamon or Cocoa powder (0 Calories)

Directions:  Cut banana into small slices.  Place on an apple cinnamon rice cake and sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder.  (For an extra protein boost - add a thin layer of peanut butter!  Watch out for calories, though.)



 

The Apple Cinnamon Sensation

-  1 Medium Apple: red or green (80 – 100 Calories)

-  Cinnamon (0 Calories)

Directions:  Cut the apple into and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Microwave for 1 - 1.5 minutes.



 

The Banana Chiller   

- 1 Banana (100 Calories)

Directions:Unpeel, cut into fourths, and freeze for 3 to 4 hours.  Tastes amazing – may be ice cream’s arch nemesis at only 100 cals!

 

Artic Apple Sauce

-  1 single serve cup, all-natural Applesauce (50 Calories)  

-  1 small box, organic raisins (50 Calories)  

-  Cinnamon (0 Calories)

Directions:  Open applesauce, add raisins and cinnamon.  Swirl to taste, then freeze for 3-4 hours.

 

Now that the secrets are out, go ahead and try a few of the featured concoctions, let me know what you think! Also, check out the official H3 metabo menu and see if you can invent something original!