As if you need convincing to eat more sweet, delicious pineapple during the summer months, it’s a surprisingly perfect fruit for weight loss: One cup of pineapple chunks has just 82 calories, and is sweet enough to satisfy any dessert craving. That cup also packs 131 percent of your daily Vitamin C, and comes with minerals including potassium, folate and manganese.
So chop some up and enjoy—and then try these seven other healthy ways to eat pineapple this summer:
1. As a protein-packed Piña Colada:
Indulge in the refreshing goodness of sweet and delicious blender drinks, not just limited to poolside enjoyment. Our delightful Piña Colada Protein Smoothie recipe brings you the best of both worlds.
Featuring Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix as the base, this blended beverage nourishes your body with muscle-building protein while treating your taste buds to a tropical delight. Now, you can relish this delightful beverage anytime, anywhere, and experience a blissful combination of flavors that will transport you to a paradise getaway.
To whip up this refreshing and protein-packed pina colada, you can have a delightful blend of one serving of Vanilla Nutrisystem Shake Mix, half a cup of pure and tangy pineapple juice, a generous cup of ice cubes, and three drops of aromatic coconut extract.
Simply blend all these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Once ready, pour your concoction into a tall, chilled glass and savor every sip of this delightful beverage!
2. As an easy frozen treat:
If you love ice cream, why not try something equally delicious but healthier? Whip up a delightful batch of frozen yogurt pineapple popsicles and have a refreshing treat ready whenever a sweet, creamy craving strikes!
Making these refreshing popsicles is super easy. Start by mixing together four cups of nonfat plain yogurt, which provides a creamy and tangy base. Then, add one cup of pineapple juice for a burst of tropical flavor. For an extra dose of sweetness and texture, include two cups of fresh pineapple chunks.
Once you have the mixture ready, simply pour it into four popsicle molds, or you can even use paper cups with popsicle sticks. Freeze them for four or more hours until they are perfectly chilled and set.
By incorporating these homemade frozen yogurt pineapple popsicles into your snack rotation, you not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also embrace a healthier option. Plus, if you’re following a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, you’ll be pleased to know that one popsicle counts as one PowerFuel and one SmartCarb.
So go ahead and indulge in these frozen treats guilt-free, knowing that you’re enjoying a satisfying and nutritious dessert!
3. As a warm, gooey grilled dessert:
Grilling fruits like watermelon, peaches and pineapples brings out their naturally sweet flavors, creating an incredible and healthy dessert option for summer barbecues. Just imagine the aroma of those perfectly grilled pineapple rings, with their tantalizing grill lines and caramelized edges. And here’s a fun twist: the built-in hole in a pineapple ring serves as the perfect receptacle for filling it with a scoop of creamy, frozen yogurt.
To create this refreshing dessert, start by freezing plain, nonfat yogurt in one-cup servings. Once you’ve fired up the grill and given it a quick spray of nonstick spray, carefully place the pineapple rings on top. Listen to the sizzle and watch as those grill marks start to form, giving your fruit a beautiful charred look.
Now, we know you’re excited to enjoy these grilled pineapple rings, but we’re not done yet. Take two rings and top them off with one cup of the frozen yogurt. As if that wasn’t enough, we’re adding a delightful finishing touch: sprinkle one tablespoon of unsweetened coconut flakes over the yogurt.
This mouthwatering recipe is perfect for one serving and satisfies your cravings while still staying on track. On Nutrisystem, it counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and one Extra, making it a deliciously guilt-free treat. So, fire up that grill and indulge in this flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of grilled fruits with the creaminess of frozen yogurt. It’s the ultimate summer delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
4. As a cool, creamy two-ingredient Pineapple Whip:
This ridiculously simple yet utterly delightful Pineapple Whip will transport you to a summer paradise. Imagine the refreshing sensation of a snow cone, but without chasing down the ice cream truck.
With just two ingredients, this tropical treat is a breeze to make. All you need is four cups of perfectly frozen pineapple chunks and one cup of creamy, unsweetened almond milk (plain or vanilla flavored).
Simply blend these irresistible ingredients together, and voila! You’ll have four servings of pure pineapple bliss that each count as one SmartCarb on Nutrisystem. Enjoy the ultimate tropical indulgence that will leave you craving more!
5. As a healthy flavor booster for your daily water:
There are countless reasons why staying hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water is crucial when striving to achieve optimal health and weight loss. However, for some individuals, the monotony of plain water can be off-putting.
To add a delightful twist to your hydration routine, consider incorporating flavored ice cubes or refreshing slices of cucumber into your water pitcher. This simple addition can transform a dull glass into a truly satisfying and enjoyable beverage experience.
For those who prefer a tropical twist, you can enhance your hydration journey by infusing pineapple flavors into your water. Start by blending half a cup of juicy pineapple chunks with half a blender of water to create a tantalizing pineapple blend. Pour this flavorful concoction into ice cube trays and freeze.
When you’re ready to quench your thirst, simply pop one of these pineapple-infused ice cubes into your glass of water, and savor the delightful burst of tropical goodness. Cheers to a refreshing and invigorating hydration experience!
6. As you pretend you’re at a tropical hotel with a quick, easy juice cocktail:
When you walk into a luxurious hotel located in a breathtaking tropical destination, a friendly and attentive waitstaff welcomes you with a refreshing juice cocktail. The moment you take a sip, the sweet and delicious flavors awaken your taste buds, setting the perfect tone for a memorable vacation.
But why limit this indulgent experience to once a year or those once-in-a-lifetime trips? You can recreate the same delightful cocktail in the comfort of your own home, adding a touch of luxury to your everyday life without compromising your weight loss goals.
For an unparalleled taste, use freshly squeezed juices in your homemade concoction. Start by blending one cup of ripe pineapple until smooth, and then strain it to obtain the pure juice (or, if you happen to have a juicer, feel free to use that).
Next, combine a half cup of this luscious pineapple juice with a half cup of freshly-squeezed orange juice, infusing the mixture with a burst of vibrant citrus flavors. To achieve the perfect balance, dilute the blend with a half cup of water, adding a refreshing hint of hydration to the mix. If you’re feeling extra fancy, make it a frozen drink by blending the juices with ice!
Finally, garnish your creation with a plump and juicy cherry, giving it an extra touch of visual appeal. Give it a gentle stir and prepare to immerse yourself in a moment of pure indulgence and satisfaction. Each half-cup serving counts as one SmartCarb on Nutrisystem.
So next time you desire a taste of luxury, elevate your everyday routine by treating yourself to this exquisite homemade juice cocktail. Transport yourself to paradise with every sip, and relish in the extraordinary pleasures that life has to offer, no matter where you may be.
7. For breakfast in these Pineapple Upside-Down Banana Pancakes:
It’s like indulging in a guilt-free slice of cake for breakfast, but with a healthy twist. This delightful recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, and the best part is, it contains no flour or added sugar. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it’s also a great option for those looking to lose weight.
Introducing the mouthwatering pineapple upside-down banana pancake recipe! With this recipe, you can whip up a batch of eight pancakes that are both nutritious and scrumptious. Each serving consists of two pancakes, which you can conveniently count as one PowerFuel and one SmartCarb on Nutrisystem.
To get started, simply grab two ripe bananas and mash them in a large bowl. Next, mix the mashed bananas with four whole eggs until you achieve a perfectly smooth, pancake-like batter.
Once your batter is ready, heat a pan over medium heat and give it a quick spray with zero-calorie cooking spray. Pour a quarter-cup of the batter into the pan, then let it cook for approximately 30 seconds.
Now comes the fun part! Place a delectable pineapple ring on top of the cooking pancake. Let it cook for an additional 60 seconds, then give it a gentle flip. Allow the opposite side to cook for another 60-90 seconds, ensuring it achieves a golden-brown perfection.
Get ready to indulge in the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as these delightful pancakes come to life. So go ahead and treat yourself to this delectable breakfast option that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the goodness of banana, making your morning routine a little more exciting and flavorful!
