Healthy Popsicles for Kids

I recently discovered a recipe for "Vanilla Pops" in Cece's Highlights magazine. Usually these recipes are not even worth glancing at, but this one looked decently healthy (once manipulated a bit) and delicious. Popsicles are an obvious favorite when its hot outside but they can be eaten year round...and the BEST part is, they can be healthy AND keep your child busy for a good 20 minutes. And she'll enjoy making them with you! Rather than the traditional sugar on a stick recipe, try these healthy alternatives.

All you'll need to make the popsicles is dixie cups (or paper cups) and craft sticks/popsicle sticks. No fancy popsicle mold needed.

Vanilla Pops
1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup plain goat yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Chocolate Pudding Pops
1 package (12 oz) of silken tofu
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder
2 tbsps maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweented vanilla almond milk

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Smoothie Pops
Blend up your most favorite smoothie recipe. I like to add hemp protein powder or almond butter for added protein.

1/2 cup fresh or frozen organic berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
1/2 banana
1 tbsp hemp protein powder or 1 tbsp almond butter
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tbsp honey (optional- nice for the pops)

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Orange Creamsicle
1/2 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup plain goat yogurt
1/2 cuop orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Blend ingredients together in a blender. Fill each cup about 1 inch. freeze for 1 hour. Take them out from the freezer and place the popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze for another couple hours until completely frozen. Peel and enjoy.

Traditional Fruit Pop
This one is easy! Simply water down juice and freeze!

Maca for Mamas

In honor of Mother's Day, this post is for all you tired mamas out there that need a an natural boost!

Maca is a plant native to the Andes, revered for its many nutritional and medicinal properties. Maca is a true super-food, for it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, plant sterols, protein, and essential fatty acids. Both men and women can benefit from maca’s medicinal properties.

Benefits for Women	Benefits for Men
Support for hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms	Improves sexual function
Increases libido	Increases testosterone levels
Acts as an antidepressant	Support for andropause
Increases fertility	Promotes fertility
Regulates and normalizes menstrual cycles	Increases sperm count
Increases energy	Increases energy

For an overall endocrine tonic and natural energy booster, try maca in these recipes. You can find powdered maca in the health food section of your grocery store. It will likely be in the bulk herb section. Try Whole Foods.

Power Smoothie

1/2 cup fresh or frozen organic berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

1/2 banana

1/4 cup frozen spinach (can also use fresh spinach or kale)

1 tbsp ground seeds (flax or sunflower ground in coffee grinder- see previous post, "Give your child the seed of health."

1 tbsp maca powder

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any other milk substitute-hemp, rice, soy)-you may need more than this, just keep adding more liquid until you reach desired consistency

Blend and enjoy!

Maca Tea

Tea of your choice (herbal ideally)

1 tsp of Maca powder

1 cup of hot water

Milk or your favorite milk alternative

Honey (optional)

Prepare your favorite cup of tea as you would usually do. When ready, add Maca powder to your cup of tea and stir the mixture. If needed, you can add milk or honey.

Maca Balls

Ingredients:

3-4 tbsps of maca powder

1/4 cup almond butter

1 cup of dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries and dates are good options)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 cup chopped almonds

Directions:

If you are going to use dates as your dried fruit, soak the dates in water for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain them and then put them (or raisins or dried cranberries) in food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and process until a dough forms. If dough is too dry, add a touch of water. if it is too sticky, add more chopped almonds. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and refrigerate. If you are chocolate lover, you can always add in cocoa powder as well. Enjoy!