| How to Make a Healthy Banana Split Posted: 03 May 2017 05:00 PM PDT You can make a healthy banana split by swapping out a few ingredients and controlling your portion sizes. Use a small scoop of low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, or Greek-style yogurt instead giant scoops of regular ice cream. Swap unhealthy toppings out for nutritious options, like dried or fresh fruit and nuts. Try making interesting variations on the traditional banana split, like a healthy banana split parfait or fun frozen banana split bites. EditIngredients EditTraditional Banana Split[1] - 1 banana
- A scoop of low-fat Greek style yogurt or frozen yogurt
- Dried or fresh fruit, like raisins, dried cranberries, fresh strawberries, or blueberries
- Chopped or sliced nuts, like walnuts or almonds
EditHealthy Banana Split Parfaits[2] - 2 ounces (57 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 mL) pineapple, diced
- 4 scoops of strawberry ice cream, about 1/4 cup (60 mL) each
- 4 cherries, pitted
EditBanana Split Bites[3] - 12 pineapple chunks
- 1 banana cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 medium strawberries, cut in half
- 2.5 ounces (71 grams) dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- Chopped nuts or shredded coconut (optional)
- 12 popsicle sticks
EditMaking a Healthy Traditional Banana Split - Control your portion sizes. The first step to turning a banana split into a healthy snack is to use smaller portions. Instead of piling on three or four giant scoops of ice cream, limit yourself to a small scoop of lower-fat options. Use parfait glasses or mason jars instead of big bowls to help you keep your portion sizes in check.[4]
- Swap ice cream with yogurt or frozen yogurt. For the healthiest option, use low-fat Greek style yogurt or whole milk yogurt. These offer more nutrients and less fat than ice cream, and contain healthy probiotics. Their thick and creamy textures are great substitutes for ice cream, so you won't be missing out on richness.[5]
- You can also substitute ice cream with a low-fat or high-protein brand, or use low-fat frozen yogurt.
- Go for fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and other healthy toppings. Drowning your banana split in whipped cream, butterscotch, chocolate syrup, and other not so healthy toppings will send your calorie count soaring. Instead, you can splurge with a small amount of melted dark chocolate, and use nutritious, low-calorie fruits and nuts.[6]
- Try sliced almonds, chopped peanuts, or a tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Top your split with raisins, blueberries, diced pineapple, or sliced strawberries.
- Turn your healthy banana split into a fun activity. A healthy banana split can be a fun, interactive activity for your kids, whether for dessert or an afterschool snack. Put out bowls of each topping, and try letting your younger kids serve themselves to practice using utensils and taking turns.[7]
- If you're an adult making a healthy snack for yourself, layering your banana split in a parfait glass or mason jar will add a touch of refinement to your dessert. In addition to keeping your portions in check, you'll feel a little more fun and fancy.
- Put together a beautiful banana split. Cut a banana in half then slice each half lengthwise, so you have four long slices. Place them at the bottom of a bowl or jar, and add a scoop of yogurt, frozen yogurt, or low-fat ice cream. Top it with sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, diced pineapple, or chopped nuts.[8]
- You might be cutting down on calories, but there's no need to deprive yourself of a gorgeous, simple dessert!
EditPreparing Banana Split Parfaits - Melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds, then give it a stir. Continue to microwave it in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and pourable.[9]
- You can also melt the chocolate over low heat on the stovetop if you don't want to use the microwave.
- Toss the banana slices with the walnuts. Place the bananas and about 3/4 of the walnuts in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them together with your clean hands or rubber spatula. You can use a metal spoon, but be careful not to break the bananas.[10]
- Your bananas should be about 1/4 inch (or about 1/2 centimeter) in thickness.
- Assemble your parfaits in layers. Grab four small bowls or parfait glasses. First, place 1/4 cup (60 mL) of pineapple at the bottom of each bowl. Then divide the walnut-coated bananas evenly between them. Top each with a scoop of strawberry ice cream, drizzle with melted chocolate, and top with the rest of the walnuts and a cherry.[11]
- You can substitute the strawberry ice cream with a low-fat variety, high protein ice cream, or frozen yogurt for healthier options.
EditCreating Healthy Banana Split Bites - Assemble the fruit onto popsicle sticks. Make stacks with one piece each of cut pineapple, banana, and strawberry. Press a popsicle stick through each stack. Place the fruit popsicles in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze them for one or two hours, or until they're solid.[12]
- For best results, use a banana that's slightly unripe or just turning ripe. Your bites will eventually turn out mushy if your fruit, especially the banana, is too ripe.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil. Place the coconut oil and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat until the chocolate is completely melted. If you prefer to use a stovetop, heat the chocolate and oil over low heat and stir constantly.[13]
- Start melting the chocolate when the fruit becomes solid. Remove the chocolate from heat once it's melted.
- Dip the fruit popsicles in the chocolate. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, so you'll have somewhere to put your chocolate-dipped popsicles. Dip one side of each fruit stack into the melted chocolate, then let the excess drip. If you're using chopped nuts or shredded coconut, immediately dip the chocolate-covered fruit popsicle into a bowl of the nut topping.[14]
- After dipping, place each popsicle onto the parchment paper and let them rest until the chocolate hardens.
- Freeze your banana split bites overnight. After the chocolate is completely hard, transfer the bites into an airtight container or freezer bag. Place them in the freezer overnight, and store them there until you're ready to serve.[15]
- If you pack a lunch with them or want to serve them at an outing, it's a good idea to transport them with an ice pack to prevent a melted chocolate mess.
EditThings You'll Need - Kitchen knife
- 12 Popsicle sticks
- Microwave safe bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Airtight container or freezer bag
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Maintain Your Health when Caring for Sick Loved Ones Posted: 03 May 2017 09:00 AM PDT Taking care of a sick loved one can put stress on your health. It can be draining emotionally, causing you stress that can make your health deteriorate. Similarly, you may neglect your own physical needs in your desire to take care of the other person. You may find that your own health is failing as you try to care for your loved ones, and if you're health fails, you won't be able to help. Therefore, it's important to take care of yourself. If you fall ill, that does not do anyone any good. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help, as that can help take some of the burden off of you. EditTaking Care of Your Emotional and Social Needs - Consider what is stopping you from caring for your own needs. Culturally, it's more acceptable to put the needs of others first. However, when it comes to being a caregiver, sometimes you need to take care of yourself. Part of that is figuring out what is stopping you from caring for yourself.[1]
- For instance, you may feel selfish for putting your needs first. However, if you make yourself sick, what good will that do for the person you're caring for?
- Maybe you have trouble asking for help, meaning you take on the full burden of caring for the person. However, everyone needs some help when it comes to caregiving, so don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- Give yourself permission to put your needs first at times, so you can be helpful to your loved one.
- Work through your feelings. Everyone has a range of emotions when it comes to caring for a loved one. Guilt, remorse, grief, resentment, anger, and anxiety are all common emotions, and it's important to acknowledge and accept those feelings.[2] It's also a good idea to find someone you can talk to about them, who's willing to listen to what you're going through without judgment.[3]
- Consider seeing a therapist with whom you can process the emotional toll of caregiving.
- Find others in the same situation. Reach out to other caregivers, such as in a caregiver support group. Just listening to others' stories and telling your own can make you feel better. You're not alone in this situation. Others are going through it, too, and they can help support you through it.[4]
- If you don't have time to go to an in-person group, consider finding one online. You can check in whenever you have the time.[5]
- Take care of your spiritual side as needed. If you usually have an active spiritual life, try to nurture that side through prayer, meditation, or whatever you like to do. Generally, if you neglect a spiritual practice you normally do, it can make you feel unbalanced or out-of-sorts.
- If you don't pray or meditate, consider taking a few moments out of each day for yourself, just to sit quietly or even write in a journal, so you get in touch with how you are feeling.[6]
- Find a way to relax. You need to take a bit of time each day doing something you enjoy that relaxes you. Doing so will help you maintain your sanity and health. Plus, if you're more relaxed, you'll make a better caregiver. Just find something small that you enjoy, and try to incorporate it into your day.[7]
- Maybe your break could be a short walk outdoors or a few minutes spent doodling.[8]
- Spend some time with people you enjoy. Sometimes, you just need to hang out with your friends and have a good laugh. If you can, try to take a break to go out with your friends or family. You'll be able to feel more like yourself, instead of just a perpetual caregiver.[9]
EditTaking Care of Yourself Physically - Set limits. Only you know how much of your time and yourself you can give to caregiving. That means it's important for you to set limits with yourself. You also need to express those limits with doctors, nurses, and other caregivers, so they're aware of when you will and when you won't be there.[10]
- Eat well. In a time when things seem out of control, you may neglect to focus on good eating habits. You may not eat much, or you may end up eating junk food. Both of those put a strain on you. Try to eat as healthy as you can, even if you have to order food in sometimes or rely on simple meals like salads.[11]
- Remember to include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and veggies in your diet.
- Try to get enough sleep. Sleep can also be difficult when you're caring for a loved one. You may be too worried to sleep at times, or the task of caregiving may interrupt your sleep. However, try to get as much as you can, aiming for a regular 7 to 9 hours a day, even if you have to do it in smaller chunks. Not getting enough sleep can put a strain on your health, plus it will make you less effective as a caregiver.[12]
- Take time to exercise. Exercising will also help you maintain your health while you're caring for a loved one. As an added bonus, it can reduce your stress level. However, it can be difficult when you are caregiving, so you'll need to find ways to work it into your schedule.[13]
- For instance, maybe you can take a short walk a couple of times a day. You could also do yoga at home or try jumping rope.
- You could also ask someone to come sit with your loved one while you take an hour or so to go exercise. That way, you get a much-needed break, plus the exercise you need.
- Don't neglect signs of illness in yourself. It can be easy to overlook signs of health problems in yourself when you're caring for someone else. However, if you become sick, you won't be able to help your loved one, so it's best to stay on top of health problems. In fact, the best plan is to maintain your regular doctor's visits and dental checkups to make sure you're in good health.[14]
EditGetting Help - Figure out what your loved one needs. Before you can ask for help caring for a loved one, you need to figure out where others can plug in. Take some time to list everything that needs to be done to care for your loved one. Try not to leave anything out.[15]
- After you make the list, think carefully about what you can realistically do on your own without burning out. Now, look at what others could do to take the burden off of you.
- Ask people for help. Remember that you cannot do it all. It is okay to ask for help. Most of the time, people want to help in whatever way they can. However, they may need help figuring out what you and your loved one need. Talk to each person (friends and family) individually to help get your needs covered.[16]
- You could say, "I know you care about Jane. I was wondering if you'd be able to help out a bit. I could really use someone to bring dinner some nights."
- Try to offer a task to the person that fits with their skills. Alternatively, ask them what they'd like to do to help, especially if they offer.
- Get professional help. If your loved one has a long-term serious illness, professional help is often needed. Respite care is a great option for getting help and giving yourself a break from time to time. Maybe your loved one needs to be in a long-term care facility or spend time at an adult daycare a few days per week that has the capability of providing care for your loved one.[17] Maybe you will keep your loved one at home, but you'll need to hire help to come over and provide some care for your loved one. Either way, having a professional around can help take some of the burden off of you.[18]
 - Some communities offer volunteer respite care workers who can come and care for your loved one for a few hours so that you can take a break. You can learn more about respite care for older adults through your local Area Agency on Aging.[19]
- When considering professional help, you may need to do some persuading when it comes to your loved one. That is, some people don't like the idea of having outside help. However, most people will concede when they realize that you can't do everything yourself. If your loved one is particularly against the idea, you may need to have someone who's been in the same situation (as a caregiver or a professional) come talk to the person.
- When deciding who to hire, first look at the kind of care you need help with. For instance, you may need non-medical assistance, to provide things like bathroom assistance and even things like cooking and cleaning. Medical care, such as home healthcare, helps with things like providing medications and need to be ordered by a doctor.
- Some in-home health may be covered by programs like Medicare. Make sure you ask what your insurance covers when looking for professional help.
- If your loved one is suffering from a terminal illness, hospice may be a good option for you, which can provide care for your loved one, if he or she has 6 months or less to live.
- Look at free options for care. Many community services provide some type of care for people who are ill, particularly if they are ill or homebound. For instance, many communities have meal delivery services, such as Meals-On-Wheels, at no cost to the person to help you feed them.[20]
- Also, consider organizations the person is associated with. For instance, veterans may be entitled to some benefits. Members of Elk and Mason lodges may have some care provided. Also, church members are often willing to step up when members need care. Don't be afraid to look at all your resources.
- Put your energy into the most essential tasks. That is, consider which tasks you could find ways of not doing yourself, such as ordering meals in or hiring a cleaning service. These services wouldn't require people coming in as much as professional caregiving help, but they would help relieve some of the pressure on you.[21]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean Car AC Vents Posted: 03 May 2017 01:00 AM PDT The narrow spaces between a car's air conditioning vents can be difficult to clean using a cloth. However, inexpensive foam paintbrushes make the job quick and easy. Clean your A/C vents once every month or two, or more often if you notice they become dusty. If you smell a moldy odor when you turn your A/C on, clean your vent system using a disinfectant spray cleaner. To prevent mold growth, periodically dry out your vent system by blowing your fan on max with the A/C off, and be sure to clear away any debris that collects around the exterior air intakes. EditCleaning Your Vents Using a Foam Paintbrush - Purchase a set of foam paintbrushes. Foam paintbrushes are perfect for getting deep into the spaces between your air conditioner vents' slats. They're inexpensive and available at your nearest home improvement, craft, or dollar store. You could also purchase a set online.[1]
- Create a homemade cleaning solution. Combine equal parts of warm water and white vinegar. Try using lemon-scented cleaning vinegar if the smell bothers you. If you can't find lemon-scented vinegar, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to your cleaning solution.
- Insert the foam brush between each vent slat. Dab a foam brush in your cleaning solution and press it between your vent slats to remove dust and grime. Rinse your brush as needed to remove the debris it accumulates, or simply use another brush. Finish by wiping the vents down with a dry brush if you've left any excess cleaning solution.[2]
- Rinse and dry used brushes. Wash your used brushes with warm water and a dab of dish detergent. Squeeze them out and rinse well to remove excess soap. Let them dry, place them in a plastic baggie, and store them in your glove compartment for quick use.[3]
EditCleaning the A/C Vent System - Replace your car's cabin air filter. Most newer cars have an easily replaceable air filter that you can access from inside the cabin. You should consult your vehicle's manual for specific instructions about how to remove and replace it.[4]
- In many newer models, including Hondas and Toyotas, you'll start by lowering the glove compartment by unfixing the tabs that keep it in place.[5] You might have to remove screws that hold a panel in place just below the glove compartment.[6] On GM sedans, the filter is located in a casing beneath the dashboard on the driver's side.[7]
- After lowering the glove compartment or removing the panel just beneath it, locate the clip that secures the air filter cover. Pinch the clip to release and remove the cover.[8]
- Pull the old filter straight out of its housing and replace it with a new one.[9]
- You should change your car's cabin air filter once a year.[10] Consider changing it more frequently if you live in a dense urban area or in an environment with lots of dust.[11]
- Clear off and spray the air intake vents. The air intakes are on the exterior of the car around the windshield cowling.[12] Brush away dead leaves or any other accumulated debris using a broom or handheld dust brush. Spray inside the vents with a sanitizing enzymatic cleaner.[13]
- Enzymatic disinfectants will help kill mold or fungi growing in your vent system, while air fresheners will just act as a perfume. Go for a cleaner labeled "mold and mildew fighting," "disinfectant" or "antibacterial," as these sprays will contain an enzyme.
- Spray all vents with disinfectant cleaner. Close your car doors and windows. Make sure the car is off and keys are out of the ignition. Spray liberally inside all of your car's interior vents with the enzymatic cleaner.[14]
- Consult your car's manual to make sure you've located all of the A/C vents.
- Start the engine and set the air conditioner to max. After you've sprayed all of your vents, start your car's engine. Set both the air conditioner and fan blower to max. After about ten minutes, turn your A/C off, open all the car doors, and let the fan blow for another five minutes.[15]
- Have your car serviced. If the smell persists, you might need to have your A/C serviced. For persistent moldy smell, consult your mechanic or dealership about replacing your evaporator core.[16] Other smells, like gas or antifreeze, could indicate system leaks.[17]
- Depending on if any parts need to be flushed or replaced, the cost could be between $300 and $2000 (US).
EditPreventing Mold Growth - Turn the air conditioner off before reaching your destination. Make it a habit to turn your air conditioner off while letting the fan blow a few minutes before you reach any destination. Try to do this about three to five minutes before turning off your engine. Letting the fan blow a few minutes after turning off the A/C will help dry your vent system, preventing mold growth.[18]
- Keep the air intakes clear of leaves and other debris. Never let anything collect around your A/C intakes. Brush away debris weekly, or more often if necessary. Leaves and other debris that accumulates around the windshield cowling are a leading cause of mold growth in the A/C vent system.[19]
- Run the blower without the air conditioner on periodically. Every two or three months, choose a warm, dry day to clear out your A/C vents using the fan blower. Open all the car doors, make sure the A/C is off, and turn the blower on max. Regularly drying out your vent systems using this technique will prevent future mold growth.[20]
EditThings You'll Need - Foam paintbrushes
- White vinegar or lemon-scented cleaning vinegar
- Broom or dust brush
- Enzymatic spray cleaner
- Replacement air filter (suited for your car's make and model)
EditSources and Citations
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