Whether you’re swimming all-day or lounging by the pool, you’re going to get hungry! Most of us naturally reach for the standard popsicles or other ice cream treats, but they’re full of things that will reverse all of the hard work you’ve spent on your bikini body. Not only do these frozen treats contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, aritifical colors and sweeteners, they have little to no nutritional value. Instead, dive into these healthy alternatives that are super easy to make, so you can enjoy your fun in the sun without worrying about your waistline.
1. Frozen Grapes
Frozen fruit in general is a great poolside snack, but grapes specifically only contain 62 calories per cup! They’re also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and essential minerals like potassium and iron. All you need is a cup of grapes (try to use red ones because the darker skin carries even more antioxidants) and a Ziploc bag. Make sure to wash the grapes thoroughly and wipe them dry. Then, toss them into a Ziploc bag, store it in your freezer for an hour or two and enjoy! If you want to avoid getting your fingers sticky, add a lollipop stick or skewer to the mix (preferably 8 inches long, but any size will do).
2. Pomegranate Juice Cubes
Ditch the popsicles for these bit-sized juice cubes! At only 15 calories per cube, these refreshing treats are perfect for maintaining your bikini body. Pomegranate juice is high in sugars, but it offers the biggest nutritional payoff with high levels of antioxidants, potassium and vitamin K. All you need to make this “super” summer snack is pomegranate juice and an ice tray. Just freeze the juice for an hour before you enjoy this healthy alternative. You can also pop a cube or two into a glass of water or plain seltzer for a naturally flavored refreshing spritzer.
3. Caprese Skewers
Tomatoes are one of the season’s star superfoods, with more than a third of your daily recommended vitamin C. They’re also rich in vitamins B6, E and K, fiber and potassium. Enjoying them with a little fat–like mozzarella cheese!–helps absorb those necessary nutrients even better. You don’t have to be a master in the kitchen to assemble this fun take on a traditional caprese salad, and each skewer is only 58 calories. Alternate tomatoes, basil leaves and mozzarella cheese cubes onto ten 6-inch wooden skewers. You can eat the skewer as is, or combine vinegar and oil in a small bowl to make a light dressing. Drizzle the vinegar mixture evenly over skewers and sprinkle with salt and pepper for an added punch.
4. Frozen Lemonade
An upgrade to a summer staple, it’s hard to beat a tall glass of frozen lemonade on a hot day. Ringing in at only 80 calories, this tangy slushie will keep you cool as you hang out by the pool. It takes about 15 minutes to make this delicious drink, but make sure that your blender can handle this recipe — it can be made in 2 batches if necessary! Blend together one cup of fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons’s worth) and a cup of granulated sugar. Add 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of cracked ice and blend, and repeat one more time. If you want your frozen lemonade to have more of a tart taste (and be even healthier!), only use 1/2 a cup of sugar!
5. Sweet and Sour Cucumbers
Dressed with nothing but a little vinegar, salt and sugar, this cucumber salad is fresh and sweet. At only 34 calories, this healthy snack will keep hydrated while you soak up the sun. To make it, slice two unpeeled cucumbers. Place the cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let the cucumbers stand for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, three tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of pepper in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Drain the cucumbers well, pat dry and add the dressing. Toss well. Refrigerate at least 15 minutes and up to two hours. Add some dill to the dressing to really draw out the sour taste of the cucumbers!
6. Watermelon Sorbet
Watermelon is always a hit during the summer months! This icy snack is dairy-free and low in calories. In a small saucepan set over medium high heat, whisk together 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1 1/4 cups water until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and let it cool. Next, cut up a half of a watermelon into small chunks. In blender or food processor, combine the watermelon with 3 tablespoons of lime juice (about 3 1/2 medium limes). Pour the mixture through a strainer to get out all the seeds and pulp. Then take your cooled sugar mixture and add it to the watermelon and refridgerate for one hour. After it’s chilled, use an ice cream maker to thicken your sobert, which should take about 25-35 minutes. Enjoy it right away or put in the freezer to firm it up some more!
7. Creamsicle Smoothie
Healthy, convenient and refreshing, smoothies are ideal for hot summer days. Though it tastes like those iconic vanilla-and-orange popsicles, this creamsicle smoothie is a balanced summer treat with carbohydrates and protein. To make this delicious smoothie, blend together 1 whole frozen banana, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3/4 of orange juice, 1/2 cup of coconut milk (or substitute it with coconut water to make it even healthier!) and 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder. You’ll instantly feel like you’re on a tropical island!
You’ve worked hard to get bikini body ready and unhealthy frozen treats can set you back. So while you show off your rockin’ bod at the pool, snack on these healthy snacks instead!