Try out some healthier sweet treats this summer for better health all year! When the temperature rises and you hear the familiar tones of the ice cream truck’s tune, it’s hard to resist the temptation to cool down with a tasty frozen treat.
While delicious, ice cream and many of our favorite cold treats like popsicles, milkshakes, and sno-cones are sometimes foods. Sometimes foods have very few nutritional benefits and high amounts of added sugar, salt, or fat. Sometimes foods are good for special occasions and events, but not so good for eating every day.
Anytime foods are much healthier—they tend to have lots of great nutrients that support our health. Anytime foods also have less added sugar and fat. One of our favorite anytime foods is fruit! Many varieties are in season during the summer. Fruit is an anytime food because it has fiber, many important vitamins and minerals, and water to keep us healthy. The sugars that create the delicious sweet taste of fruit are naturally occurring, instead of added during processing.
So when you’re craving something sweet to beat the heat, try one of these great healthier options. Added bonus: all of these recipes are kid-tested!
Tropical Smoothie Check out the table to find a good pairing for your favorite seasonal fruit.
One-ingredient Banana Ice Cream / Un Ingrediente Helado de Banana
Popsicles galore:
Strawberry-Orange Ice Pops / Paletas Heladas de Fresa y Naranja
Kiwi-sicles Try these with whole strawberries, banana slices, or pitted cherries!
For more great recipe ideas, check out Grow Happy Kids.
