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Summer is officially here! What better way to kick off the season than with some homemade popsicles?
While it's tempting to pick up a box of popsicles at the store, sometimes the available options can do more harm than good when it comes to our kids' health. Artificial colors, often found in processed foods, candies, drinks, and yes, popsicles, can negatively affect our kids' behavior.
Research suggests that food dyes can contribute to hyperactivity and attention problems, especially in kids with ADHD. Dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are thought to make kids more restless, impulsive, and less able to concentrate. These changes can make it harder for them to learn and get along with others. Because of this, health experts recommend cutting back on or avoiding artificial colors for kids.
Making popsicles at home means you get to control the ingredients, steering clear of artificial colors and flavors and other unnecessary additives to enjoy yummy, healthy frozen treats.
Creating homemade popsicles is super simple and fun! If you don't already have some, check out these favorite popsicle molds from Mamasicles. They're made of BPA-free plastic and come with a convenient funnel for filling and brush for cleaning.
Here are a few recipes that you can easily make at home. Get the kids involved (picky eaters included!) to make these special snacks or desserts.
You and the kids might want to get even more creative and invent some new popsicle recipes. Either way, you'll be creating fun memories together in the kitchen!
If you don't have popsicle molds, you can use regular ice cube trays. Notice these recipes don't include exact amounts for some ingredients. This is where your Kid in the Kitchen can help you with the fun scientific experiment of choosing amounts to create flavors, and tasting along the way before the finished product is poured into the popsicle mold to be frozen.
Here are the summer popsicle recipes!
Peachsicles
Ingredients:
Canned peaches with some of their juice (100% juice is the healthiest choice)
Honey to taste
Blend together and freeze
Yogurt Popsicles
Ingredients:
2 cups plain yogurt
1 can frozen juice, grape or orange (preferably 100% juice)
1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative
Partially thaw the juice. Mix all ingredients and freeze
Creamsicles
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups orange juice (100% juice)
2 cups vanilla yogurt
Honey to taste
Blend together and freeze
Strawberry Pops
Ingredients:
Frozen strawberries
Plain yogurt
Honey to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla
Blend together and freeze
Here's another fun summer recipe to make with the kids! Check out this Watermelon Pizza Recipe for a healthy and delicious summer snack.
All blog content shared through HealthSmart! Kids is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as medical advice. Always talk with your qualified health care provider for managing your health care needs.
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