Could there be anything more refreshing than a frozen treat on a hot summer day? Hardly! Maybe a frozen treat that's also healthy! Yet, most grocery store options in the freezer section offer processed products chock full of added sugar, preservatives, and unhealthy processed fats.
Make your own frozen treat and pack it with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. No added sugar is necessary because you'll be working with fresh, naturally sweet fruits. As a plus, you can use healthy sources of fat and protein to add creamy texture and flavor and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Here are some ideas:
1.Freeze grapes! Just discard the stems, rinse and dry them well, then fill up a baking sheet with a layer of grapes and freeze until solid!
2. Make muffin tin berry yogurt bites! Simply smash up your favorite berries - blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Smash them good! Mix them into a low-fat or full-fat high-protein Greek yogurt. Spoon them into a lined muffin tin (or muffin/cupcake cups) or silicone liners (you can also use ice cube trays!) Freeze for several hours and enjoy!
Drizzle some honey if you prefer a little extra sweetness. Also, top with favorite nuts, unsweetened coconut, or unsweetened granola.
3. Banana peanut butter "ice cream" - This requires using frozen bananas from the start. Peel and halve two bananas and freeze them in advance. Once frozen, blend the 2 bananas with 4 tablespoons of peanut butter and a pinch of salt. Make sure to choose peanut butter with no added sugar and no partially hydrogenated oil (this processed fat contains dangerous trans fats!). Blend until smooth! Next throw in your favorite garnish, such as sliced almonds, toasted pecans, or some unsweetened coconut flakes.
4. Yogurt-coated frozen bananas - Cut a banana in half and slide a popsicle stick into each half. Place on parchment paper lined sheet and freeze for several hours. Once frozen, dip frozen banana in Greek or Icelandic yogurt and then roll in your favorite topping - ground flax, chopped and roasted pecans or walnuts, unsweetened coconut flakes, dark chocolate flakes, graham cracker crumbs, or any other favorite topping!
5. Frozen hot chocolate - Blend a 1/2 cup of ice with 1 cup of almond milk and 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. For a nutrient boost, throw in 1 cup of frozen cherries.