We all love an icy-sweet treat in the end-of-summer heat, but balancing our sugar intake with healthy foods can be a challenge. Here is your answer: fruits! There’s been a rumor going around that we need to limit our fruit intake because of the all the sugar found in fruit. This is not true.
Although fruits have naturally occurring sugars, they also contain a ton of other things that are beneficial to our health, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant phytochemicals. Added sugar is the real culprit we want to watch out for, as it comes with the same energy punch, but lacks all the other nutritional benefits that fruit has—and it’s more likely to cause a spike in blood sugar.
Added sugars are also sneaky; they aren’t just in sweets. You can find them in savory things like salad dressing, soups, pasta sauces, breads and crackers. So always check your food label. The daily limit for added sugar is a about 6 teaspoons (24g) for women and 9 teaspoons (36g) for men, while children 2 years of age and older should stay below 6 teaspoons of added sugar, and children under two should avoid it as much as possible (excluding infant formula.)
Note: Popsicle molds are a great investment (you’ll want to make these again!), but if you don’t have any, try using ice cube trays, plastic or paper cups. Cover with plastic wrap and stick a toothpick or popsicle stick in the center.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced watermelon
- ½-1 cup of sliced fruit of your choice
- ½-1 juice of a lime
Directions:
Scoop out the watermelon flesh and juice the lime into a blender and puree until smooth
In each popsicle mold add in a couple slices of fresh fruit. I like to use kiwi, peach or blueberries. Or all three!
Optional: add a tablespoon or two of coconut milk to make the ice pops creamier while adding some healthy and filling fats.
Fill each mold with the watermelon-lime juice leaving ½-¼ inch of space from the top.
Cap the molds, add the popsicle sticks and set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
Enjoy on a hot summer day! Makes six servings.
Nutrition facts:
Serving size: 1 ice pop
Calories: 22; Fat: 0.1g; Carbs: 5.8g; Fiber: 0.6g; Protein: 0.4g; Sodium: 1.4mg
