I have to laugh at myself sometimes. You see, I was trying to make July 4th popsicles that were striped red, white and blue. But then I couldn’t find a naturally blue ingredient (blueberries are purple, as it turns out), and I thought the strawberry layer would taste even more delicious with a splash of coconut milk — it does, but it also turns red to pink.
So what you have here is a pretty popsicle that might look more suited to your bridal shower than your long weekend cookout, but hey, they taste delicious!
Anyway, I think I’ll still call them July 4th popsicles because I know I’ll be eating one on Monday. Not only are they yummy, and cold, they’re also really good for you.
Treats like this will make it easy to celebrate, indulge and relax this weekend, without jeopardizing the healthy gains you’ve made during your engagement.
Why You Want This
It’s going to be hot and your tastebuds are hanging out for a cool, sweat treat. But you’ve also seen some stellar changes to your body after cutting back on sugar during your engagement.
What to do?!
Make healthy, fruity, fat rich* popsicles of course.
Why You Need This
*Good quality fat, such as coconut milk, has such as important place in your bridal diet. Here’s some key things to remember:
- Unlike carbohydrates, fat will keep you fuller for longer and doesn’t cause the sugar crash that follows eating a refined food — such as a traditional, sugar-laden popsicle.
- Many fat-soluble vitamins and minerals require dietary fat in order to be digested and assimilated in your body. This includes Vitamin A, D, K and E, which are essential for brain health. In other words, snack on an avocado, not a chocolate bar, the next time you feel brain-dead during the workday.
- Fat is a fantastic, slow-burning, source of energy for the body. It can boost your metabolism, balance hormones and reduce cravings. Kind of essential during wedding planning, yes?
How To Get Your Fiancé On Board
More like “how to get your fiancé to keep his cheeky little fingers out of the freezer”.
July 4th Popsicles: Recipe
Makes 6 | Equipment: Popsicle Mould
Ingredients
- 2 cups full fat coconut milk (purchase BPA free canned coconut milk in the Asian aisle)
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
Directions
Add 1/4 cup coconut milk and blueberries to blender; blend until smooth. Pour “blue” mixture into the base of the popsicle mould, filling 1/3 of the mould. Place in the freezer for one hour.
Next, pour in 1 cup of coconut milk, evenly divided between the six moulds. Place in the freezer for one hour.
Finally, add the final 1/4 cup coconut milk and strawberries to blender, and blend until smooth. Pour “red” mixture into popsicle moulds, filling to the top, and inserting a popsicle stick. Freeze about 4 hours or until completely set.
To remove popsicles from mould simply run under hot tap water for a couple of moments and they’ll slide right out.
Tip: make the blueberry mixture and add to moulds, rinse the blender and make the strawberry mixture and keep in a glass in the fridge until ready to add in the final step. That way the prep-work is done and the kitchen can be cleaned up quickly.
More Healthy 4th Of July Ideas
Here’s a low sugar cocktail
And a total body blaster, July 4th workout.
Are you going to give these July 4th Popsicles a go? What other healthy treats will be on your long weekend menu? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Happy 4th beauties!
With love,
Jennifer Dene XO
