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Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

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Roasted Acorn Squash with

Roasted Acorn Squash with Sage

4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ -2 pounds acorn squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground sage or 3-4 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Rinse squash and scrub well to remove any dirt. Cut squash in half, and remove seeds and pulp. Follow the natural lines of the squash to cut into long pieces; then cut again into 1-inch cubes.
  • Place squash in a large dish. Mix in olive oil and stir well. Add sage, salt, and pepper. Stir again to coat.
  • Arrange squash cubes in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are slightly browned (or longer if you desire more "roasting").
  • Yield: 6-7 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

When Fear Becomes Faith

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When Fear Becomes Faith by Kristen FeolaIt should have been a relaxing date. My husband and I were at a nice restaurant three hours from home. Our daughters were staying with friends, so we had the weekend to ourselves. When the server brought our meal, Justin bit into his hamburger, but I could only manage a few bites of my salad. I didn’t have an appetite.

We were in St. Louis because I’d been invited to be the guest speaker at a Friday night prayer service. I was thankful for the opportunity and excited about sharing with the people. A little too excited. The more I thought it, the more I was filled with fear. I felt much like Moses did. When God told him to go to Pharoah to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses made all kinds of excuses as to why he wasn’t the one for the job. He said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it (Ex. 4:13).”

At one point during our dinner, my body was literally shaking. As Justin and I got into the car to drive to the church, I said, “I’m not doing very well. I’m so scared.” He paused for a moment and said matter-of-factly, “You’re a child of the King. You need to start acting like it.”

Immediately, I felt strength rise up within me. I held my head a little higher and stood a little straighter. My husband’s words jolted me back into reality.

That’s right! I thought. I’m a child of the King! God is with me, and He will provide! I remembered one of my favorite verses, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you” (Is. 26:3).

When I took the platform, I sensed the Lord’s presence. Not only did God help me, but I also truly enjoyed every minute of the presentation! After I finished and sat down, I imagined the Lord gently patting my back, whispering the words, “Well done, my child. Well done.”

Are you struggling with anxiety over a situation in your life? Maybe it’s not a speaking engagement, but a broken relationship, a wayward child, or severe financial problems. The Enemy would love nothing more than to keep you in bondage. But, God wants to set you free from fear so you can live by faith!

Choose now to believe the truth about your circumstances. Remember who you are and whose you are! Find a Bible verse that addresses the topic of peace. Memorize the verse and quote it aloud when you start to panic. As you set your mind on God’s Word and put your trust in Him, you’ll be filled with a wonderful, supernatural peace that passes all understanding.

Get Spiritually Strong in 2015!

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Spiritually Strong by Kristen Feola

What does it take to get in better physical shape? You have to push yourself beyond what’s comfortable. You can’t just sit around and think about working out. You have to get off the couch and do it.

The same is true spiritually.

To grow stronger in the Lord, you must exercise your muscles on a regular basis. I’m not talking about your biceps or quads here, either. I’m referring to your spiritual “muscles” – those unseen parts that make up the inner you – your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But how are those muscles developed? I’m glad you asked.

My book, Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul, outlines six exercises that will train your spiritual core – Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others. As you develop self-discipline in these areas, you will learn to:

  • Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you.
  • Pray with power.
  • Incorporate periodic fasting into your life.
  • Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise.
  • Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you.
  • Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love.

(Watch the Spiritually Strong book trailer for more information.)

The Spiritually Strong program includes a 6-week Bible study and a workout plan. It’s perfect for small groups, but you can also do it on your own.

God has called you to be strong in Him and in His mighty power (Eph. 6:10). So do your best to get physically and spiritually fit. You don’t want to miss out on God’s best for your life!


Kristen Feola

 

Kristen Feola, Author and Former Personal Trainer
Kristen Feola
Author and Former Personal Trainer

 

The Daniel Fast and Lent 2015

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Lent 2015

Up until a few years ago, I didn’t really understand the purpose of Lent. My knowledge was limited to these facts: 1) My Catholic friends gave up a food item, such as meat, to prepare for Easter, and 2) They attended a special service on Ash Wednesday and received a black mark on the forehead. That’s it. That’s all I knew about Lent. Since that time, I’ve become more educated about the significance of this sacred event.

The purpose of Lent is to reflect on Jesus Christ — his life, death, burial, and resurrection. Ash Wednesday, or “Day of Ashes,” marks the beginning of the Lenten season, which this year is Wednesday, February 10th. In the typical Ash Wednesday service, the priest or pastor applies ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead, while speaking the words, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19). The ash cross is a visual reminder of our need for repentance and God’s offer of forgiveness.

Although mostly observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians, Lent is becoming increasingly popular among evangelicals and other denominations. Typically, people abstain from meat and may also give up other vices, such as sweets, television, or social media. Many believers may also choose to participate in the Daniel Fast as a way to observe Lent.

The Daniel Fast is a 21-day partial fast based upon the prophet Daniel’s experiences in the Bible. The purpose of the Daniel Fast is to restrict commonly enjoyed foods as an act of worship and consecration to God. On one occasion, Daniel was greatly concerned for his people and sought the Lord’s wisdom during a time of prayer and fasting. Daniel 10:2-3 says, “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” The meaning of “choice food” is not clear; however, most commentaries conclude that he ate no bread or sweets. The Message paraphrase sums up Daniel’s eating habits during that time: “I ate only plain and simple food.”

The idea behind the Daniel Fast is not to duplicate Daniel’s menu but to imitate his spiritual hunger. Daniel’s passion for the Lord caused him to seek spiritual food rather than physical food, which should be the desire for anyone doing the Daniel Fast. For more information on doing the Daniel Fast, click HERE.

How will you prepare for Easter this year? Consider doing the Daniel Fast as you celebrate what the Lord has done for you! 

Download my Lent 2015 Prayer Guide!

Ocean Depths

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Ocean

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is” (Ephesians 3:18 NLT).

I’m fascinated by the ocean. When I look out upon its mighty waters, I’m in awe of God’s marvelous creation. But if I stay on the sand collecting sea shells and never venture out into the waves, I miss out. For just below the ocean’s surface is an amazing display of colors and creatures that’s breathtaking. The first time I went snorkeling, I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I swam among various kinds of fish and sea life, I realized there’s  much more beauty to the ocean than what I can be seen from the shore.

That’s how the Christian life is. If we’re content to go to church once a week and read the Bible sporadically, we rob ourselves of the abundant life God wants us to experience. But when we choose to dive into spiritual waters through disciplines such as fasting, we discover a whole new level of joy and power. Our lives are enriched and strengthened in ways they wouldn’t be otherwise. We’re also more sensitive to what God is doing around us.

Have you set aside time to fast and pray this year? If not, don’t let fear of the unknown keep you stuck in the sand. Trust the Lord to give you the courage to step out into the water. When you do, you’ll have a greater understanding of how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is for you!

Top 10 Snacks for Super Bowl Sunday

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Super Easy Guacamole, Daniel Fast snack, guacamole recipe

In three days, thousands of Americans will gather to watch the biggest sporting event of the year. That’s right, friends. It’s Super Bowl time!

Next to Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday ranks as the #1 day for food consumption. The big game is as much about the snacks as it is about the sport. It’s pizza and hot wings. Chips and dip. Chex Mix and cookies. For someone on the Daniel Fast, though, this type of setting presents a huge challenge. If you can’t have meat, dairy products, sugar, or caffeine, what can you eat on Super Bowl Sunday? Plenty, if you refer to the tasty recipes on my website.

Following are the Ultimate Daniel Fast’s Top 10 Super Bowl Snacks:

 1. Almond Butter Bites
 2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
 3. Salsa
 4. Spinach-Artichoke Dip
 5. Super Easy Guacamole
 6. Fruit Pizza
 7. Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts
 8. Date Honey
 9. Confetti Hummus
10. Grilled Veggie Kebabs

Which one (or two) will you take to your Super Bowl Party?

January 2015 Online Daniel Fast Testimonies

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel FastFor the past four years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast during the first three weeks of January.  I’m always so encouraged by the number of believers who join me in prayer and fasting.

Our theme for this year’s online Daniel Fast was, “Spiritually Strong,” because our desire for 2015 is to, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The fast ended Saturday, January 24th, and already I’ve received many testimonies about God’s faithfulness. The Lord has given victory over sin, strength during weakness, wisdom in job situations, and salvation of loved ones!

One fast participant emailed to share the miracle God did in the life of her Buddhist father. Her dad, who lives in Singapore, has never been interested in the things of God. But in the last two weeks he began attending a Chinese church with a friend. On day 20 of her fast, the woman received word that her dad gave his life to the Lord! She wrote, “I’m overjoyed! I have been praying for his salvation for 28 years.” This woman’s story is a perfect example why we must continue to pray fervently, not just in January but throughout the year.

Following are more testimonies from the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast. I pray you’re encouraged by them as you hear just some of the wonderful things God has done!

  • “I have a testimony to share from my Daniel Fast in 2010.  I prayed for a job and got the job while doing the fast. I’m still working at that same job four years later. Praise be to our faithful and loving God who gives us the desires of our heart.” – Pam
  • “This was my first Daniel fast in many years, and God has truly worked wonders in my life. Two days into the fast I was praying about my relationship, and the Spirit began revealing to me that I had been battling a spirit of perversion. But my submission to God during the fast loosened the enemy’s grip on me. Deliverance is mine! I also prayed that God would lend professional guidance to my business partner. Three days later, he received word that a new company was taking them over, and his new bosses would be people he used to work for that he LOVES and respects. I began the fast giving my living arrangement to God. I was renting way above my price range, and now 21 days later I’m working with a Realtor on the purchase of my first home! I cannot believe how my life has changed. I give God all the glory and the honor.” – Jerome
  • “I used your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, for my New Year’s Daniel Fast in 2014, but this year it has been a WHOLE NEW level since I received the daily newsletters with the videos, focused prayers, and other information. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. ” – Seary
  • “Thank you for all the good recipes and encouraging pieces every day.  My thinking is renewed, and I know God is at work in me. ” – Henriette
  • “I wasn’t sure I could do this fast, and I have to say at times it wasn’t easy being such a huge coffee drinker and meat eater. I prayed every day that God help get me through the next day. I’ve always been a huge food addict. I weigh more than 300 lbs, and food has always been my go-to. Each day was a little easier as I looked forward to reading more of my Bible and your emails. I lost about 20 lbs in the 21 days, but the weight loss was just a plus. Thank you for helping with your encouraging words every day. I can’t wait to continue on this journey and learn more! God is good!” – Keri
  • “The fast was inspiring, and we believe many of our group members here in Saudi Arabia have entered into a closer relationship with our Savior.” – Marcel
  • “I found the Daniel fast to be fun and easy compared to two years ago when I did it the first time. This year I lost 11 pounds and had a substantial decrease in heartburn and gastric reflux. Now I’m looking forward to eating this way the rest of my life at least 75-90% of the time.  Spiritually, I have been blessed in many other ways. Thank you for your website and encouragement.” – Deb
  • “I’m so grateful I was looking up recipes on Pinterest and saw an invite to join for the daily fast emails! My church does a fast at the beginning of every year so this was perfect! This fast was so much needed for me to get a handle on the sweets I overdid during the holidays, and I’ve been so excited to see what God has for me this year! Thank you so much, Kristen. Your encouragement was much needed and appreciated!” – Ann
  • “Thank you, Kristen, for the Ultimate Daniel Fast and your videos. They’ve been so encouraging and have helped me make it through the whole fast. The Lord has done so much for me, just in more freedom in my walk with Him (a weight loss of 10 lbs and getting those cravings back into control again). I love fasting and what it does so much that I plan on implementing it in my life in smaller time frames.” – DeDe
  • “I’m learning how to focus on the positive even in negative situations. God is showing me how to do that.  Thank you for your website. It has been a blessing to me.” – Wray
  • “The past 21 days have been cleansing both spiritually and physically. The daily videos, recipe ideas, and your encouraging words, Kristen, were God-anointed. I praise God I stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for being obedient. You have helped other soldiers in the fight. I will continue to do this fast annually as it’s a perfect way to start out the New Year!” – Debbie
  • “You did a great job with the devotions, suggested meals, and videos.  The videos made it feel like you were cheering me on. The fast has helped me reach a new level of a relationship with my Lord and Savior.” – Lynette
  • “My husband and I did the fast, and it was a great adventure in so many ways. Your book is a fantastic resource, and we experimented with recipes that we would never have tried before. While it’s true we’ve denied ourselves some food items, we’ve gained much more than what we didn’t have. Thank you!” – Kathy
  • “This was my second year on the Daniel Fast, and it was the most difficult. And I thought last year was rough. But the two times I was about to throw in the towel, give up and quit, I cried out to the Lord. I actually felt His strength and grace overwhelm me. ” – Barbara

And, then, one final testimony from Chase. It’s a bit long, but well worth your time in reading through it. I like how Chase sat down to list what God showed him on his fast. It’s a great way to reflect on God’s many blessings and lessons. If you participated in the online fast this year, I encourage you to do the same!

What I Learned:

  1. Food is not my master!
  2. Fleshly desires are not my master!
  3. God is so much greater than we can even think or imagine!
  4. Never give up on friends no matter what they did in the past!
  5. Always trust in God. If you believe in Him, He will show you everything!
  6. The flesh will always be weak! (Don’t give into it!)
  7. There is so much power in the blood of Jesus! It covers all and heals all!

What Has Happened:

  1. I got a new job on the second day of the fast! I am so excited for the future!
  2. I rekindled an old friendship and have forgiven this person for what happened!
  3. I’ve learned how to take control of my mind, spirit, and body to focus as one unit!
  4. I’ve had more Spirit-filled goodness than I can account for!
  5. I’ve grown not only closer to God but also closer to my accountability partner through this fast!
  6. I realized very quickly that what I was doing in life was wrong. Life is not about money and possessions. It’s about what we can do to serve others.
  7. I completely and totally changed my thinking and thought process to what God wants, and I play the background!

“There’s a whole lot more that has happened on this journey.  I can’t believe it’s already finished. I gave up sugar, salt, preservatives, and meat for 21 days straight, and you know what? I feel better than I ever have! I feel renewed! I feel like I am once again reborn to a new creation!  I encourage any believers to take the time to do this fast as well. It has been amazing!” – Chase

 Praise the Lord! All glory to His holy name!

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2015 Online Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year! My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Also, you can get a list of the 21 videos I sent out during the online fast. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts!

One Word for 2015: FIGHT!

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FIGHT!
“Don’t be afraid….Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Neh. 4:14

Every December I ask God to give me a word. Not just any word, but one that describes what He wants to accomplish through me in the coming year.

In 2011 my word was SATISFIED. I needed to realize only the Lord can fill me.

In 2012 it was PEACE. God wanted me to let go of my fears and rest in Him.

2013’s word was REJOICE. I wanted to increase my level of joy by spending more time in praise and thanksgiving.

Last year it was RENEW. God faithfully revealed areas of my life that needed a fresh touch from Him.

As I begin 2015, I’m ready to live out my new word for this year. God is calling me from complacency and laziness in prayer to a place of fervent, frequent intercession for my family and friends. He’s challenging me to FIGHT!

My goal is to pray like never before  –  to be a “warrior woman” who fights on her knees!. I desperately want to see God do miracles in the lives of the people I love.

If you’re not familiar with the “one word” concept, let me clear up any confusion. Following is a list of practical steps to help you discover your word for this year.

How to “Get” Your One Word

1. Prepare your heart to receive your word.
Fast and pray (which you’re doing). God will speak when you put yourself into a posture to hear from Him.

2. Ask God to reveal your word.
The word can be anything – a fruit of the Spirit (kindness), attribute of God (mercy), or character trait (perseverance).

3. Do not seek counsel from others.
Godly counsel regarding issues or problems is essential, but you shouldn’t get advice on your word from family or friends. Let God show you what it is.

4. Look for confirmation of your word.
God will often bring your word to your attention through various ways – sermons, a song, conversations, etc. Expect God to make your one word undeniably clear.

4. Share your word.
Once you have your word, you can talk about it and share it with others. Ask them to pray for you and to hold you accountable so that God can do His work in you.

5. Live out your word.
Trust God to help grow in this area of your life. Keep a journal, and write down insights and lessons throughout the year. Keep praying about your word.

I challenge you to seek God for your one word for 2015. Use the steps above as a guideline, but don’t rush the process. Be patient as you wait on the Lord. Keep your eyes and ears open. God has something powerful to show you through your word!

If you already know your one word for 2015, please share it below!

 

“Spiritually Strong” – January 2015 Daniel Fast

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel Fast
Holiday parties and programs are in full swing, which means festive foods are also in abundance. Cookies, candy canes, pies, and all sorts of sweets seem to assault us at every turn. And, since such indulgences seem to be part of celebrating the Christmas season, we partake. In excess.

That’s precisely why when January 1st rolls around, most people are suddenly highly motivated to make healthier choices. Weighed down by all the extra sugar and calories, their main desire for the New Year is to lose weight. Gyms all across the country are bursting at the seams with people working hard to get in better physical shape.

But, what if we put that much energy into improving our spiritual health?

One way I like to prepare for the year ahead is through prayer and fasting. For the past three years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast in January. I’ve seen God do amazing things in my life and in the lives of thousands of others. This year the online Daniel Fast will be held January 4-24, 2015. Our theme is “Spiritually Strong,” based upon the verse, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph 6:10). If you and I want to fulfill God’s plans for us in 2015, we must focus on building spiritual muscle!

Will you join us in seeking the Lord? I recommend also getting a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, to help you on your journey. Your commitment won’t be in vain. God will honor your sacrifice and bless you beyond what you can imagine!

May the Lord bless you richly as you hunger for Him!

 

 

 

 

 

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

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Lentil-Vegetable Soup

Lentil-Vegetable Soup

I love soup because:
1) It’s easy to make.
2) It’s a healthy comfort food that warms you up on a cold day.
3) If you make a big pot for lunch or dinner, you don’t have to cook as much the next day or two (hooray for leftovers!).
The last benefit is probably the most important when you’re on the Daniel Fast. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the better. Then you’ll be freed up to read the Bible and pray. So, remember, when it comes to meal planning for the Daniel Fast, soup is always a wise choice. I hope you enjoy this tasty vegetable soup recipe as much as I do.
4.55 from 22 votes
Print Recipe
Course Soup
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet peas
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth or water see Recipe Notes
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add zucchini, peas, carrots, celery, onions, and cook until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so garlic doesn’t burn.
  • Pour in water, tomatoes, and lentils. Add salt, thyme, and pepper, and stir to combine. Heat to boiling, and then reduce heat. Simmer with lid slightly tilted for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle in parsley before serving.
  • Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute vegetables, depending upon your preferences. Other ideas are green beans, lima beans, parsnips, potatoes, and/or summer squash.
  • If you don’t have time to make your own Vegetable Broth, you can use a store-brought brand that’s Daniel Fast friendly. I recommend Kitchen Basics Unsalted Vegetable Stock.

 

Frozen Banana Pops

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Banana Pops

Banana Pops

Simple. Healthy. Delicious. Banana Pops are great anytime of the year, but they're especially refreshing on a hot, summer day. Kids of all ages ─ from 2 to 92 ─ will love this frozen treat. These pops are fun to make, fun to eat, and completely Daniel Fast friendly. Enjoy!
4 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 52 kcal

Equipment

  • 8 wooden popsicle sticks

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium bananas 7-8 inches long, peeled and halved

Instructions
 

  • Line an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Insert a popsicle stick into one end of every banana half. Place bananas on sheet so they’re not touching, and put in freezer. Freeze at least two hours or until firm.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: one banana pop)

Notes

To add toppings, check out my Date Honey Banana Pops recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 52kcalCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 7g

Date Honey Banana Pops

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Date Honey Banana Pops

Date Honey Banana Pops

Say hello to your new favorite frozen treat on the Daniel Fast. These Banana Pops are 100% delicious and nutritious, so you don't have to feel guilty about enjoying them.
3.67 from 6 votes
Print Recipe
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 156 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 frozen Banana Pops
  • ½ cup Date Honey
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
  • 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Once you've made the Banana Pops (follow recipe for directions) and allowed them to freeze about 2 hours, you're ready to add toppings. Remove pops from freezer. Using a butter knife, spread a thin layer of Date Honey on all sides of each banana piece.
  • Place chopped nuts and unsweetened shredded coconut on a plate. Roll banana pops in the toppings. Use your fingers to push toppings into the bananas, if necessary. Place the coated bananas on the parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: one banana pop)

Notes

Other toppings ideas are chia seeds, dried fruit, hemp seeds, nut butter, and sunflower seeds.
To cut down on the natural sugar content of this recipe, use half the amount of Date Honey.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 6gFiber: 4gSugar: 17g