With the warm air finally showing its face in our central Pennsylvania towns, it can only mean one thing: ice cream season is here! Whether you're into "Fro-Yo", frozen custard, Gelato, or (the ever so traditional) ice cream, there is no lack of options for you to get your fix! I myself am guilty of indulging anytime I see that teaberry flavor pop up on the Meadow's Frozen Custard calendar. In fact, my Aunt Kathy calls and leaves me a voicemail each month upon that special day, reminding me "it's teaberry day at the Meadow's", so there's no avoiding it.
While it is perfectly fine to indulge in an ice cream treat from time to time, I think we can all agree that our decision to have that double scoop multiple times a week adds up fast, making that approaching beach vacation a scary thought.
Low and behold, there is a way to "have your cake and eat it too!" For the last few months I have been craving the Dole Whip I had on my Disney vacation 2 years ago. Its pineapply, creamy, dreamy goodness would not leave my mind. However, I knew going to Disney at the drop of the hat, simply for a Dole Whip, was something only the likes of the Hadids or the Kardashians could make happen... So, naturally I improvised and made my own! And I didn't just make it to mimic the Disney Dole Whip, I made it to satisfy my taste buds and my body. Yes, I "one-uped" the Disney Dole Whip (insert self-high-five).
The table below lists the ingredients you will need, where I get mine, and their benefits:
| Ingredient | Where To Find It | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Mangos | Sam's Club | Helps you feel full, boosts digestive function, and contains cancer fighting antioxidants |
| Frozen Pineapple | Sam's Club | Decreases joint pain, supports weight loss, and aids in digestion with the anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain |
| Frozen Banana | Sam's Club (Buy fresh, then peel and freeze) | Provides brain power by way of potassium delivering oxygen to the brain |
| Almond Milk | Sam's Club | A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and magnesium, that is also low in calories and won’t cause spikes in blood sugar, such as with traditional ice cream ingredients |
| Plain Kefir | Grocery Store (organic aisle) | Supports digestion, skin health, immunity, weight, bone density, and mood |
| Collagen Peptides | Amazon.com | Promotes youthful skin, healthy hair, weight loss, mental health, and joint health |
| Stevia | Grocery Store | A zero calorie, all natural sweetener |
These ingredients are easy to find and packed with a wealth of health benefits! So, not only does it satisfy that middle of the evening sweets craving, it also comes with zero guilt – and my skin and nails have never been better! Use less liquid to have a thicker, ice cream-like texture, or use more liquid to make it smoothie texture!
I like to enjoy mine 2 hours after dinner. Why? Simple: At dinner time I take my daily vitamin and focus on getting the iron I need. Because this treat has calcium, giving myself two hours prevents this treat from blocking my iron absorption. Plus, added bonus, having this two hours after dinner keeps me full for the rest of the night.
Don't have time or desire to make your own healthy treat? Check out one of the juice bars in your community! Hollidaysburg and Altoona residents can enjoy "Be Nice Cream" at Joos in Hollidaysburg (soon to be opening in downtown Altoona, as well)! In State College, Rothrock Café offers acai bowls!
Looking for more to satisfy your summer sweet tooth? Stay tuned for Steph Sillery's healthy Ice Cream Sandwich recipe.
