Banana, nut butter, cacao nibs, shredded coconut. Yum. I could just leave it at that. It’s so simple it hardly counts as a recipe. But, I thought I would share the formula for my favorite new snack and why it’s good for you.

Despite writing How to Stop the Glorification of Busy around this time last year, I again find myself with a particularly full schedule. Combine trying to get everything done with a freezing cold kitchen, and I don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking, which is out of character for me. I usually prioritize cooking healthy meals. But as a military family, you win some and you lose some when it comes to housing. After having a $500 heating oil bill last month, we’re keeping the house around 60 degrees and selectively using space heaters to heat smaller spaces, and the kitchen with its huge windows and drafty doors is not one of them. Just for reference, I’m comfortable in 80 degrees.

I don’t want to spend time in the kitchen, but the cold weather makes me want to eat more. Dangerous combination. Maybe it’s survival instinct to add more bulk to my frame, or maybe my willpower is all gone with the constant attempt to stay warm. Either way, I welcome a fast, indulgent snack.

These nut butter banana boats are perfect for breakfast, snacktime, or dessert. And the best part, you just need four ingredients. My daughter’s eyes light up when she hears that I’m serving this for breakfast, and I’m most likely to throw one of these together for a mid-afternoon snack for myself. Fast. Easy. Delicious. Healthy.

Bananas are high in potassium for good muscle function and contain a good amount of vitamin C for an immune system boost. The healthy fats in nut and seed butters can help you stay satisfied longer, and contribute to heart health. Raw cacao nibs are even better for you than dark chocolate and they still trigger emotions like euphoria. That’s a win! The nutrition world is arguing over whether dried coconut is good for you, but a little sprinkle adds an indulgent quality and rich flavor to these banana boats with the added bonus of helping fill you up.

How do your eating habits change when it’s cold outside?

Nut Butter Banana Boats

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 banana

• 2 tablespoons of your favorite nut or seed butter

• 1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Slice the banana in half lengthwise. Smear on your nut or seed butter. Sprinkle with the cacao nibs and coconut.