Healthy Living

Keep all these ideas in the back of your mind as you plan your Family Meals

Ahh..Summer is here, outdoor activities flourish everywhere, but what do you give the child for a snack that are not loaded with tons of sugar and is healthier for them? The answer; Popsicles.

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 Wal-Mart in your area, they are fairly inexpensive.  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 low fat 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.                              Low fat 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

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

With the Holiday tomorrow and everyone planning recipes or getting the grill ready it's a Good idea to remember these Food Safety Reminders as we celebrate our Independence.

Cook twice the amount of food and save half for another meal.

This vacation season, whether you travel by car or recreational vehicle, whether you are headed for the beach or a mountainside, be sure to include food safety in your travel plans.