During the hot summer months, there are few foods that I crave more than ice cream. In the summer I could pretty much live on salads, fresh fruit, iced coffee, and frozen yogurt/ice cream. But since ice cream is really an occasional treat, rather than an every day food, I satisfy my craving for a frozen treat with these nutrient-filled, lower calorie alternatives. No need for all of the processed low-cal desserts with ingredient-lists that take an entire side of a box. Try these real foods with natural sweetness! They make a great snack or dessert, or even a frozen breakfast-on-the-go after a sweaty morning run. All take less than 10 minutes to prepare.
- PB & Banana stacks: Slice 2 bananas into ½ inch round pieces. Top half the pieces with nut butter, and
then cover with the remaining pieces to make mini “sandwiches.” Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for 60-90 minutes. I use a mix of chocolate peanut butter, almond butter, regular peanut butter, and sunflower seed butter for variety! Watch out – these are addicting! - Frozen grapes – wash, freeze, enjoy! I’ve also been buying Trader Joes frozen mango chunks and eating them for dessert.
- Homemade Greek yogurt popsicle. Basic recipe idea here – but get creative and use any mix of fruit, yogurt, nut butter, or other ingredients that sound good to you!
- Frozen yogurt covered berry bites. Mix it up with blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or any other fruit you like!
- Frozen chocolate covered strawberries. Use these basic directions, and freeze them for a cold summer treat!
What’s your favorite frozen treat? Do you have a different favorite treat per season? Does it help your training?
– Sarah
(Sarah is a nutrition communication specialist, future registered dietitian, and believer in eating healthful for life, not as a quick fix. She is a certified spin instructor, a triathlete, and an avid runner who regularly participates in road races from 5k to 1/2 marathons. Follow her on Twitter @SpinnerSarah and at her personal blog Food and Fitness Friend.)