Summer is here in full force; and as tough as it can be to stay fit during the winter, it can be equally tough to stay fit during the summer – especially since blazing temperatures make sweet treats and sugary drinks hard to resist. But, don’t worry. We’ve got 5 healthy treat recipes to help you stick to your health plan so that you’ll stay cool and satisfied all summer long!

Frozen Grapes

The quickest and easiest “recipe” we can recommend is putting some grapes in the freezer! Not only is this a refreshing healthy treat, but grapes are nutritious in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants. Simply wash them, put them in a freezer-safe container, freeze, and enjoy.

 

Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Have some ripe bananas? Don’t toss them! With this 2-ingredient recipe, you can quickly whip up some delicious ice cream without the guilt.

Ingredients:
4 large ripe bananas
2 tablespoons peanut butter

Directions:

1. Peel bananas and slice. You’ll want to freeze these prior to blending so your ice cream is cold and creamy. Freeze for 1-2 hours in a single layer on a freezer safe plate (or longer if doubling up).
2. Once frozen, place the banana slices in a food processor and puree until creamy and smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter to the banana mixture and puree to combine. 
4. If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa/cacao powder for a chocolatey spin on the recipe.
5. Serve immediately if you want a soft-serve style ice cream and if you prefer harder ice cream, place in the freezer for a few hours and enjoy.

Strawberry Sorbet

More of a sorbet kind of person? This limited-ingredient sweet treat is a great source of fiber and Vitamin C, and with no added sugars.

Ingredients:
4 cups strawberries
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (roughly ½ lime)
½ cup water

Directions:

1. Wash strawberries, remove stems, and cut them in half.
2. Freeze strawberries for 2-3 hours.
3. With a food processor, blend frozen strawberries, maple syrup, and lime juice until combined. Add up to ½ cup water until you get the consistency you like.
4. Serve immediately or freeze for an additional 2-3 hours for a harder texture.

Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites

While this healthy treat isn’t cold like ice cream or sorbet, it will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, since this recipe doesn’t involve fresh fruit, you can make them all year long!

Ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw local unfiltered honey
1/4 cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. With a food processor, blend everything except for the chocolate chips
2. Once blended, add cacao nibs or chocolate chips and mix with a spoon.
3. Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes, then roll into balls or use a cookie dough scooper. Store in an air tight container and keep refrigerated.

Superfood Green Popsicles

What would summertime be without popsicles? These superfood green popsicles are packed with fruits and veggies to give you plenty of nutrients, antioxidants, and a refreshing flavor that will keep you cool and satisfied.

Ingredients:
1 apple, cut and cored
2 cups kale
1 cucumber
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (roughly 1 lemon)

Directions:

1. Juice apple, kale and cucumber.
2. Once juiced, add the fresh lemon juice to the mixture and combine.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place in the freezer for 2 hours or even overnight.

Want more? Try these other great recipes too!
Berry Cashew Cream No Bake Bars
Blackberry & Lime Chia Fresca
Dark Chocolate Banana Bites

We hope you enjoy these simple and healthy recipes to stay cool this summer. Click here for a PDF of these recipes and if you try any, and be sure to leave a comment below to tell us what you think!