Health Nut: Thank You, Mom

Dear Momma,

I know I wrote a blog post for you last year on your birthday, but I wanted to do it again. I’m sad that I’ll miss your birthday again, but hopefully this brings a smile to your face and maybe even a tear to your eye.

I’m definitely not the healthiest person in the world and don’t pretend to be, but all that I know about health and nutrition I’ve learned from you. Every time I read something on the internet about healthy tips for eating and exercise, you’re always there to (usually) refute what I’ve read. Then you send me articles with information you believe to be correct.

You’re always right. Like usual.

It’s you who taught me about soaked almonds. It’s you who forced me to have two glasses of milk a day. It’s you who limited my fast food intake, which I have to say I’m very thankful for. It’s you who taught me the benefits of being a vegetarian. It’s you who comes up with massive dinner menus for parties and then cooks everything in a timely fashion—and every single dish comes out absolutely fabulous and absolutely healthy.

Probably the most important fact you have ever drilled into my head is that carbs are good for you, so don’t stop eating them. Even though most people wanting to lose weight stay off carbs, sometimes eating carbs is actually the right step.

During break, you decided to try out a new dessert recipe—banana pudding, exactly like they make it at the Magnolia Bakery in NYC. And even though the recipe called for fattening custard, you used light Cool Whip instead. And even though it wasn’t as delicious as the highly fattening recipe given by Magnolia, it was still amazing.

While not the healthiest of desserts, this low-fat banana pudding is definitely worth a try. Here’s the recipe for those who are interested in this heavenly creation:

Ingredients
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups of ice cold water
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
600 g low-fat Cool Whip
1 box Nabisco Nilla Wafers
5-6 bananas (add less or more per taste)

Directions
1) Use an electric mixer to beat together the condensed milk and water for about 1 minute.
2) Add the pudding mix and beat for another two minutes.
3) Refrigerate the mix for a couple of hours (alternatively, you can freeze for some time as well).
4) Whip the Cool Whip in a bowl, then add the cold mixture from up above. Blend thoroughly to create a custard.
5) Retrieve a wide bowl
6) Coat the bottom with a layer of the custard.
7) Add some Nilla Wafers on top, then bananas.
8) Repeat steps 6-7 until the Wafers and bananas are finished. Top with the custard and add any desired toppings (dark chocolate shavings, coconut, etc.).

Photo by Tiny Test Kitchen

I had fun making this dessert with you and even more fun eating two bowls of it. Each time I come home, there’s always healthy food waiting for me at the ready. Even if I don’t eat it, I know it’s there; food is just one way you show me how much you love me. Thanks for teaching me all about being healthy, so that it’s possible for me to write this column.  Happy Birthday!

Love,
Vatsala