This Week’s Healthy Treat: Honey-Nut Broiled Banana

This snack is not only quick and easy, it's good for you, too. And it contains about 170 calories — the ideal amount for a light nibble between meals or after dinner. Dig in!

What you'll need

1 banana
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped

What you'll do

• Cut banana in half lengthwise (leave peel on).
• Place banana, cut side up, on a piece of foil and broil 4 to 5 minutes, until browned on top.
• Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with walnuts.
• Serve in banana peel.

Why you'll love this snack

You'll never think about a banana the same way after trying this warm and extra-sweet natural treat.

Bananas are the ultimate portable fruit, and they're rich in potassium, which keeps blood pressure in check, decreases bone loss, helps prevent muscle cramps and can even reduce the negative effects of a high-salt diet.

Walnuts are high in monounsaturated fat, which is why they're one of the seven heart-smart nuts recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the others are almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts and pistachios). They also contain more omega-3 fatty acids than other nuts. Omega-3s may help with everything from protecting against heart disease and depression to alleviating dry skin and improving concentration. Although walnuts are a healthful food, enjoy them in moderation — they're still high in calories, with 190 per ounce (about 14 halves).

Honey might "bee" the newest health food on the block: Research shows it contains antioxidants, which may protect against chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. The sticky stuff may also boost immunity by feeding good bacteria in the gut. Honey even has antibacterial properties and can be applied topically to the skin to heal wounds. A teaspoon of honey has 21 calories, and since it is slightly sweeter than table sugar, less is needed for sweetening foods.

Per serving: 174 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated), 34 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 2 g protein, 2 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol

Bonus bite from Dawn

You can make this a chocolatey treat for about the same number of calories by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips onto the banana, instead of the honey and walnuts.

Dawn Jackson Blatner is a registered and licensed dietitian, and a national media spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. Read more about her here.