Frozen Bananas: A Love Story
I've chronicled my myriad food issues on this blog for years, so it won't be shocking for regular readers to learn that I've begun seeing a dietician to try and get to the bottom of why I can't seem to eat anything without feeling sick. The new theory is that I have a condition that, in short, makes it hard for me to process certain carbohydrates, and I'm in the process of following a low FODMAP diet to see if that makes a difference. One difference I've noticed? I'm at the grocery store all the time. Part of a low FODMAP diet is cutting out almost all processed foods, so you start making your own meals out of fresh ingredients. My kitchen has the capacity to hold enough fresh ingredients for about three meals. There just isn't enough physical space to meal plan for the week, as my dietician has suggested. I can plan, sure, but I cannot purchase. This means that I have become well acquainted with Trader Joe's many offerings.
On one of my many hunting expeditions I discovered a ready-made dessert that actually fits my dietary restrictions (a true shock, although I am allowed three squares of dark chocolate a day). These sliced frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate were only $2 and seemed like a good food experiment. Once I tried one I was beyond thrilled. I immediately texted friends in a fit of excitement asking, "DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE?!?!" So simple, yet so perfect.
If you're a person who's conscious about calories, may I point out that a serving is 4 slices, for 120 calories. I have an insane sweet tooth and I don't think I've ever eaten 4 pieces of these banana beauties at once. In a day, of course, but in one sitting? I usually go for one or two. They're surprisingly satisfying, and won't break your caloric bank, if that's something you're concerned about. If that's not your bag, then these would be a great topping on ice cream, or you know what I'd do (if I could)? I'd go get frozen yogurt from one of those make-your-own places, then bring it home and add these to whatever obnoxious concoction I made. But like I mentioned before, I am insane. As it is, I am under the care of a dietician and we're trying to heal my stupid body that rejects all food, so I can only go adding dark chocolate covered frozen bananas to a candy mountain in my dreams. Instead I keep this lil' box open in my freezer and I grab a slice or two after a meal when I want a little something sweet. I tend to just walk by, make a pit stop at the freezer, grab a slice, and nosh on it while I'm headed to my next location. It's PERFECT.
I'd say I buy a box of these frozen bananas every time I'm at Trader Joe's, but now that I'm there two or three times a week it's more like every third time I'm there. Still, I always have to have at least one box at hand. They're the perfect quick pick me up for a sicko with a sweet tooth like me. The next time you're at TJ's live large, shell out the $2, and grab yourself some chocolate covered frozen bananas.
