Banana Split without the Guilt... & OPRAH!

Before I sat down to write this post, I had to ask myself how has the The Oprah Winfrey Show impacted my life. 

I have been struggling to find a way to eloquently put my thoughts into words.  Quite honestly, I don't have the heart to describe how incredibly sad I feel.  My heart is heavy and there is a huge void, it’s almost as though I’ve lost my best friend. 

Oprah is someone who continues to inspire me to be a better person.  She makes me want to reach within myself and find my true self.  I admire her ability to help those in need, and although not all of us can give back to the world the way Oprah can, I believe we can all give back in our own little way.

My brother once yelled told me that, “it is a far better feeling to give than to receive, in other words, to help someone in need.”  His words stuck with me, but as I sit here and analyze my life, I realize that the one missing element in my life is that I haven't given back to society in ways I should.  I need to make that change TODAY!  
Life is about striking a balance between giving to yourself and giving to others, and striving to be a better human being.  Did I just invent that quote?   It may be the "Oprah Effect."

Besides her fun shows that involve celebrities and the famous My Favorite Things episodes, I believe she has been able to touch a wide array of topics that many others have shied away from.  Hearing other people’s problems who had it so much worse than I forced me to put my life in perspective and question myself this... Did I really have the right to complain while some others had it far worse than anyone could have ever imagined?  Another change I need to make - stop complaining about silly, petty things.

I believe she gives all women the courage and strength to believe, dream big, and aspire to be whatever we want to be no matter where we come from.  Oprah has an innate ability of being able to connect with her audience and that is something very special.

One of the biggest moments in my life was being in the 6th row of the Oprah taping in NYC at Radio City Music Hall on May 9, 2010. 

I was so extremely lucky (thanks to my friend, mm) to be in the 6th row of that audience where I was staring up at the woman I had idolized for years, the legendary OPRAH! She exclaimed, "HELLO, NEW YORRRRRRRRRRRRK!"

I got a good look at Oprah in her shimmering hot pink gown.  It was a surreal experience.  Her presence was so powerful, I was in awe with her beauty, both inside and outside. 

I realize how fortunate I am to have seen her because chances are that may never happen again!  Here are the bracelets I saved… I’ll have to frame them.    And look, I even did my nails, hands and toes.

Oprah makes me wanna live a better life, enjoy each day, and every moment.  A lot of her shows were about living in the present and not taking life for granted.  The best part about her show was I had the chance to learn by example. Yes, I too had many "aha moments."

 
In the hopes of appeasing my sorrows today, I wanted something sweet, but not so indulgent.  I made myself Banana Split without the Guilt, no ice-cream, no whipped cream, just healthful ingredients...
Banana
Peanut Butter
Bittersweet Chocolate
Walnuts

As I ate and watched the final episode of Oprah with a box of Kleenex tissues beside me, my tears turned into waterworks.  For this was going to be the very LAST OPRAH WINFREY EPISODE, EVER, and how was I going to come to terms with it?   

There is an undeniable void in my heart, a feeling I'm sure many of you are feeling too.  Oprah is no longer going to be part of our daily "living room" lives, my husband will no longer say... "please, not again, I had a long day, I can't watch Oprah today."  I'd say, "whatever", and watch it anyway!  I feel as though I have lost my best friend.  Why is that?  I don’t know.  What is it about Ms. Winfrey that makes us all feel connected to her in some weird way.  Perhaps it is her big heart, her openness, her free spirit, her kindness, and her ability to truly be herself. 

"A final message to Oprah who I will personally email (I can only imagine how flooded her Inbox will be) … Thank You For Giving Yourself To Us And Serving Us For 25 Years And Setting The Bar High For Other Talk Show Hosts!!!  You Will Never Be Replaced!" 
After all that has been said and done, one thing’s for sure, our “beloved” Oprah will always remain as the "Queen of our Hearts!"

NUTRITION: Bananas are a very good source of Vitamin B6.  They are also a good source of Vitamin C and Fiber.  Peanut Butter is high in fat and should be eaten in moderation, however it is a good source of Fiber, Protein, Folic Acid, and Vitamin E.  Bittersweet Chocolate also contain a good amount of fat, however they contain antioxidants.  Walnuts are an excellent source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

INGREDIENTS (1 serving):

• Banana – 1 (split into 2 lengthwise)
• Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value (No Sugar, No Salt) Peanut Butter – 1 dollop 
• Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 1 to 2 tablespoon
• Walnuts – 4 to 5 pieces (chopped)
  

DIRECTIONS:
1. Split a banana into 2 lengthwise.

2. Take a dollop of peanut butter.  Microwave it for 30 seconds, if it isn’t warm enough, another 30 seconds.

3. Pour the peanut butter over the banana.

4. Take some bittersweet chocolate chips.  Microwave it for 30 seconds, if it isn’t warm enough, another 30 seconds.

5. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana and peanut butter.

6. Chop the walnuts. 

7. Top with walnuts.

8. Fulfills a sweet craving on a sorrowful day without feeling bad about what you ate.