Healthy Dessert Treats for Summer

Guest Blogger: Alina Bychkova - 4th year Acadia Nutrition Student and creator or SUSTAIN YOUR BODY

This summer you can stay cool and healthy without having to skip on dessert. Why go to Dairy Queen when you can save money and calories by making your own frozen desserts using everyday ingredients from your kitchen?!
Here are some delicious recipes you can try at home TODAY

If you're craving a smoothie...

Strawberry Shake

What you need:

3/4 cup low-fat strawberry frozen yogurt






3/4 cup chopped fresh or frozen strawberries

1/4 cup skim, almond or soy milk









Simply combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until thick and smooth.
Yield: Makes 1 serving

Hint: This makes a thick shake, so If you like it a bit more liquid, increase the milk to 1/3 cup or 1/2 cup.

Nutrition Information: Per serving: 210 calories, 6 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate, 5 g fat, 2.2 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 2.5 g fiber, 65 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 21%.

If you're craving ice cream...

Mango Sorbet

What you need:

3 cups chopped fresh or frozen mango (about 2 large mangoes, peeled and seeded)

4 tablespoons honey (or 2 drops of Stevia for a calorie-free alternative)

4 teaspoons lime juice








1.In food processor bowl or blender, puree mango until thick and smooth. Combine honey and lime juice and mix well.
2.Pour mixture into two small, freezer-safe containers and cover with lid or foil. Freeze for 45 minutes, then remove from the freezer and stir before setting back in the freezer for 30 more minutes.
Yield: Makes 4 dessert servings

Nutrition Information: Per serving: 145 calories, 1 g protein, 39 g carbohydrate, 0.3 g fat, 0.1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 2.3 g fiber, 4 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 2%.

If you're craving a campfire snack...

Frozen S'Mores

What you need:

1-1/2 cups cold skim milk

1 package (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding

1 cup thawed fat-free whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

3/4 cup mini marshmallows

7 whole low-fat graham crackers, broken in half












1.In mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding with electric mixer or whisk for 2 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl halfway through to incorporate all of the pudding mix.
2.Stir in whipped topping and marshmallows.
3.Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture on top of each graham cracker half. Place them on a freezer-safe tray. Freeze about 2 hours or until firm.
Yield: Makes 14 frozen S'More halves

Nutrition Information: Per serving: 61 calories, 1 g protein, 13 g carbohydrate, 0.5 g fat, 0.2 g saturated fat, 1 mg cholesterol, 0.4 g fiber, 53 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 7%.

If you're craving a popsicle...

Strawberry Lemonade Pops

What you need:

 2 cups sliced strawberries

 1 cup prepared sugar-free lemonade (such as Crystal Light)

1 cup 0% MF plain yogurt











1.In blender or food processor, combine ingredients until well blended (about 1 minute).
2.Pour mixture evenly into 6 paper cups (or plastic ice pop molds).
3.Freeze 1 hour. Insert a plastic or wooden Popsicle stick into each cup. Freeze an additional 2 hours or until firm. Peel off paper cups before eating.
Yield: Makes 6 pops

Nutrition Information: Per serving: 63 calories, 3 g protein, 10 g carbohydrate, 1.6 g fat, 0.4 g saturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 2 g fiber, 30 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 23%.

If strawberry isn't your favorite fruit, it's very easy to substitute any fruit of your choice to make sorbet, popsicles, or smoothies for a cool, refreshing summer treat!