Imagine being able to feast on lasagna, chicken fingers and pizza without feeling guilty about your overall health. Better still, imagine looking forward to those treats—as well as chocolate, ice cream and French toast popsicles—as part of your daily weight-loss plan.
That’s the idea behind Recipes for Instant Weight Loss, a guide to healthy and easy-to-create foodie alternatives by award-winning TV producer and host Linzi Martinez. The popular South Florida personal trainer has compiled a slew of natural and tasty low-carbohydrate recipes for primary meals, in-between snacks and late-night cravings. Lowering carbohydrates leads to weight loss by reducing blood glucose and insulin levels, eliminating excess water and reducing your appetite.
“You no longer have to feel deprived, starving and miserable to have the body and the health level that you want,” Martinez says. “[These recipes] can change your life.”
We can’t think of a better place to start than with dessert. Check out this banana ice cream recipe from the book—and go to linzimartinez.com to order your copy.
Banana Ice Cream
3 large ripe bananas, sliced then frozen
30-calorie almond milk
Sea salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon to taste
PB2 (powered peanut butter) to taste
Lily’s dark chocolate chips
Directions: Blend bananas, adding enough almond milk to begin blending process. Add vanilla extract. Add cinnamon and/or PB2 (if desired). Hand mix in Lily’s dark chocolate chips. Serve immediately.
Linzi says: This creation tastes like ice cream if eaten right after the mixture is complete. It’s good for you because bananas are filled with nutrients (potassium, folate) and antioxidants. This treat boosts your energy, keeps you regular, and can help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.