Tell me if this sounds familiar: You’ve been hot and sweaty all day long. All you want is something to help you cool off. Salad? Nah… you’re craving something ice cold and deliciously sweet. Should you head to the nearest ice cream shop? Shaved ice establishment? Or just pick up a pack of popsicles on your way home? None of the above. Instead, you can crush your cravings with guilt-free, high-protein frozen treats made at home.
Tempted? Me too!
No Added Sugar Needed
While sugar is typically the main ingredient in store-bought popsicles and ice creams, it doesn’t need to be the star of the show. You can totally satisfy your sweet tooth without a sugar rush (and subsequent crash).
The truth is, you don’t need to add extra sugar to indulge in a delicious dessert. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, sweet berries or dark cherries, and creamy yogurt can do the trick, providing all the flavor you crave without the excess calories and depressing energy crash.
Power Up with Protein
Adding a scoop of protein to your cold treats isn’t just about adding a trendy ingredient. It’s about creating a more balanced, satisfying snack.
You see, protein helps slow digestion, so the body takes longer to process that treat, and you stay fuller for longer. This can help curb those nagging sweet cravings that tend to come creeping back surprisingly quickly after you’ve partaken in a sugar snack.
Plus, protein is a building block for your muscles and tissues, so even your dessert can contribute to your daily nutritional needs. Whether you include creamy yogurt, added protein powder, or both to your ice cream and popsicles, each bite won’t just cool you off; it will fuel you up!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- Dash of salt
- Stevia drops to taste we used 10 drops
- 2 cups fat-free Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops unflavored whey protein
Instructions
- In a blender, add fruit, stevia, yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and whey protein. Blend. If it doesn’t have enough liquid to blend, add just enough water to allow it to combine smoothly.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into popsicle molds. Add sticks and freeze for at least four hours and preferably overnight.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas frozen and chopped into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter powder like PBFit
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 scoops unflavored whey protein
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add bananas, milk of your choice, peanut butter powder, and protein powder to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into a bowl, and add chocolate chips. Stir.
- Place in a freezer for one to two hours, and stir again so the chocolate chips don’t settle on the bottom of the bowl.
- If you prefer a more soft-serve ice cream, dig in after four hours. If you like a harder scoop, leave it in the freezer overnight. (The ice cream can be kept in the freezer for up to four months.)
- Indulge!
Notes
Nutrition
These high-protein sweet treats are not just a delicious way to cool off when the temperatures soar. They’re a smart choice for anyone looking to stay on track with their healthy living goals while still enjoying sweet treats.
So next time the heat has you longing for something sweet and ice cold, skip the usual sugar-laden options. And instead, whip up these guilt-free treats.
You Might Like
