The lazy days of summer are upon us. This year, try these refreshing treats to help you wake up (and cool off). It doesn't take exotic ingredients or tons of time to create healthy summertime snacks. The next time you are relaxing outside with family or planning a barbeque with friends and neighbors, keep these quick, refreshing recipes in mind.
Sherbet Seven-Layer Cake
If you are in the mood for something frozen, try satisfying your sweet tooth with all-natural sherbet. If you crave cake, try low-calorie angel food cake. If you want both, this no-stress recipe is perfect for you. Simply slice an angel food cake into three, four, or five layers (depending on your preference), spread softened sherbet between each layer of cake, and then place the cake in the freezer for an hour. You can get creative with this recipe by using different flavors of sherbet and garnishing the cake with your favorite fresh fruits.
Fruit Skewers
Fresh fruit is a summertime staple. For a new way to enjoy this old classic, try skewering generous chunks of your favorite fruit on kabob sticks. Create colorful, luscious combinations using pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and kiwi. To make this treat unique, freeze the fruit kabobs before serving or grill them in the backyard for a BBQ-appropriate dessert. For a healthy snack that's a bit more decadent, try drizzling melted dark chocolate (which is rich in antioxidants) over your fruit kabob.
Fun Floats
With the wide array of low-fat ice creams and diet sodas available, you now can make a virtually guilt-free variation of your childhood favorite—the root beer float. Try this old classic with updated, healthier products. Use low-fat vanilla or chocolate ice cream and diet root beer to create a healthy treat you can share with your children.
For a sweet, summery twist, replace the ice cream with fruit sherbet and use diet lemon-lime soda instead of root beer. Experiment with different flavors of sherbet—raspberry, strawberry, lemon, or even rainbow. Add fresh pineapple or orange juice to the mix for added vitamins and nutrients. Don't forget to top your low-calorie root beer or lemon-lime float with low-fat whipped cream and a fresh maraschino cherry-just to keep the tradition alive.
Ice-Cold H20 (with a Delicious Twist)
Nutritionists are quick to remind us about the benefits of drinking water. And if you plan to spend lots of time outdoors, it's important to keep yourself hydrated. If plain water seems too passé for the exciting summer ahead, give your aqua attitude by adding fresh fruit. Instead of putting lemon slices in your water, try adding slices of orange, lime, or even pomegranate. This is a fresh, natural way to flavor your water that doesn't involve added sugar or preservatives.
No-Fuss Decadence
Want to enjoy a delicious summertime dessert without all the fuss? If you don't have time to prepare a sherbet seven-layer cake or whip up a fresh fruit kabob, but crave something fruity and cool, try a raspberry or orange Healthy Choice® Sorbet Swirl Ice Cream Bar.
If chocolate is your weakness, take the guilt out of "guilty pleasure" by trying a Healthy Choice Premium Fudge Bar or a Healthy Choice Mocha Fudge Swirl Bar. These chocolaty treats can even be packed over ice in a cooler and brought to your child's T-ball or soccer game.
When tempted by the siren of the ice cream man, don't panic! Summer is about relaxing and having fun, so you don't have to skip the ice cream completely; just try to choose a healthy alternative. Forget about sugary popsicles and fattening ice cream novelties, and opt for a satisfying Healthy Choice Caramel Swirl Ice Cream Sandwich.
