Make Your Own Delicious Healthy Popsicles

Nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than an ice cold popsicle. Unfortunately, most of the popsicles at your grocery store are filled with artificial colors and high in sugar. Not exactly a recipe for a healthy summer snack. Did you know with the help of a popsicle mold, it’s a breeze to make your own icy dessert treats?

The easiest way to make your own popsicles is to use a popsicle mold. If you can’t find a mold for making popsicles at Target or Walmart in your area, do a google search for “popsicle mold” and you’ll discover lots of options. Most of the molds are easy to work with, although you may have to run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to remove the popsicle.

Now comes the fun part. What would you like to put in your mold to create your delicious summertime snacks?

We all need to eat more fruit. Why not add some fresh orange juice to your popsicle molds to create popsicles loaded with vitamin C? Other fruit juices would work nicely too including grapefruit juice, grape juice, lemonade, apple juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and cherry juice.

If you have a blender, try pureeing a mixture of healthy berries such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Add some low fat milk and a touch of low calorie sweetener. Blend the mixture thoroughly. Pour into your popsicle molds and freeze. Once frozen, you’ll have a high fiber, low calorie, low fat treat that’s simply delicious. Plus, you’ll be getting several servings of fruit for the day.

Do you remember the “dreamsicle” popsicle? You can make your own version of this popular ice cream treat by adding an orange drink powder such as Tang to lowfat milk. Flavor with a touch of vanilla and freeze. This one is guaranteed to be popular with the kids.

Other ideas for filling your popsicle molds include adding:

1. Fruit flavored yogurt
2. Lowfat chocolate milk for a healthy version of a fudgesicle
3. Apple sauce from a jar or can
4. Sugar free soda
5. Sugar free pudding or pie filling
6. Fruit flavored jelly or jam mixed with yogurt.

To make your popsicles a bit more decadent, you can add these ingredients to the above mixtures:

1. Nuts
2. Toffee bits
3. Cookie crumbles
4. Various spices
5. Chocolate chips
6. Coconut chunks
7. Marshmallows
8. Granola
9. Cereals

For the ultimate in decadence, dip your frozen popsicle in chocolate syrup and refreeze. Well, they do say chocolate is a great source of antioxidants!

Your kids will love these treats and it’s a great way to get them to eat more fruit and fiber. Plus, you know what went into making them. No unhealthy surprises.