Healthy Swaps for Your Favourite Summertime Treats

As the summer heat rolls in, our cravings for cool and refreshing treats can become hard to resist. However, indulging in sugary and calorie-laden treats can leave us feeling sluggish, guilty and off track with our health goals.

But it doesn't have to!

With a little creativity and smart substitutions, you can enjoy delicious, healthy versions of your favourite summer treats while still nourishing your body.

Before I share the recipes I just want to point out that I am ALL FOR a delicious ice cream cone, frozen yogurt topped with your favourite toppings, or campfire s'mores to enjoy during the summer, but if you have a sweet tooth like mine, you're probably looking for something almost every day of the summer, and that's when those high calorie, sugar-laden sweets are NOT so great!

These recipes can be enjoyed regularly through the summer and will help keep you on track with your healthy lifestyle and your sweet tooth satisfied.

Ice Cream

Let's start with everyone's favourite summer treat: ice cream!

You can make your own homemade healthy ice cream using frozen bananas.

Blend ripe bananas with a splash of almond milk until creamy and smooth. Add in your favourite flavours like cocoa powder, berries, or vanilla extract.

Freeze the mixture for a couple of hours, and there you have it! A creamy and naturally sweet ice cream alternative that's packed with vitamins and fibre.

A Yonanas machine is a great tool for blending frozen fruit into ice cream, but a blender will do the trick as well, and depending on how soft you like your ice cream, you can eat it right away or put it back in the freezer for a bit.

Popsicles

Popsicles are a staple for beating the summer heat, but many store-bought versions are filled with artificial colours and excess sugars. So, why not try making your own?

Blend fresh fruits like watermelon, mango, or berries with a bit of coconut water or pure fruit juice.

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze.

These homemade fruit popsicles are not only vibrant and refreshing but also loaded with essential nutrients.

Frozen Yogurt

If you're a fan of frozen yogurt, you can easily create a healthier version using Greek yogurt.

Greek yogurt is high in protein and provides a creamy base for your frozen delight.

Mix Greek yogurt with a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or stevia, and add in fresh fruits, nuts, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavour and texture.

Freeze the mixture for a couple of hours, and enjoy your guilt-free frozen yogurt.

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a summer staple for many, but the restaurant and store-bought versions often come with added sugars and artificial flavours.

For a healthier alternative, brew your favourite coffee and let it cool. Instead of adding sugar and cream, try sweetening it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Add a splash of almond milk or coconut milk for creaminess. You can also experiment with different flavoured extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance the taste.

Fresh Fruit Sundae

A fruit sundae is a delightful way to enjoy the abundance of seasonal fruits during the summer.

Swap out the traditional ice cream and whipped cream with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt.

Layer your favourite fruits like sliced peaches, berries, and pineapple.

Top it off with a sprinkle of nuts, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of granola for added crunch. This wholesome and colourful treat is a perfect healthy indulgence.

With these smart substitutions, you can transform your favourite summer treats into healthier versions that won't compromise your health and well-being.

By choosing natural and nutrient-dense ingredients, you can enjoy the flavours of summer while nourishing your body.

So, this summer, let's savour the season's delights guilt-free by making smart swaps and embracing a healthier approach to our favourite treats!

Hi, I'm Michelle!

As a mom of 2, bonus mom to 3 more, teacher, and health coach/nutritionist running my own business, I know what it's like to be a "busy mom" trying to stay healthy in a way that actually works!

It's my mission to help other busy moms find simple ways to get healthier without dieting or restricting their favourite foods.

Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed - NOT counting calories and cutting out carbs, and getting healthy shouldn't feel like a full time job that stresses you out!

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