Many individuals feel that they must cut out dessert foods such as ice cream in order to lead a healthy, active life as they grow older. However, this is not the case. Sweet foods like ice cream can be a fun and valuable part of balanced lifestyles, especially when they contain simple, nutritionally significant ingredients. Here are some of the best healthy ice cream recipes that individuals might consider trying.
Frozen Banana Ice Cream
One easy recipe for individuals that want to make their own ice cream is frozen banana ice cream. This ice cream only requires one ingredient: bananas. Individuals can simply freeze bananas or purchase pre-frozen bananas, and then use a food processor to create soft-serve textured ice cream in a few minutes. It will ensure a serving or two of fruit for those who make it, and it contains no added sugars.
Frozen banana ice cream is also simple to customize. Individuals can add their favourite ingredients such as raspberries, coconut, peanut butter, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. For extra nutritional benefits, some enjoy the addition of small nuts and seeds.
Frozen Strawberry Ice Cream
Frozen strawberry ice cream is another simple favourite that many people love to make. While it is easiest to create a quick sorbet blend with just strawberries, those looking for a texture closer to ice cream often add thick yogourt. This is a recipe that individuals can make even simpler by cutting out the sugar, and may substitute cream for yogourt if they prefer.
Strawberry ice cream also provides servings of fruit, and individuals may choose to top their ice cream with nuts, seeds, granola and other fruits for additional nutritional value.
Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut ice cream is another popular option for healthy ice creams. Individuals can make this dessert option with the use of a food processor to blend together cream of coconut, milk or nondairy alternative, heavy cream or non-dairy alternative and flaked coconut. Proportions will determine the texture, and preferences often vary – it is best to experiment with this option to learn what is personally enjoyable.
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Peanut butter ice cream is also a favourite, and it can be made without a food processor. For this option, individuals should use a handheld mixer and blend together a cup of peanut butter, a teaspoon and a half of vanilla extract, one cup of heavy whipping cream or non-dairy alternative, two cups of half-and-half cream or non-dairy alternative, and a natural sweetener of their choice substituted for ½ cup of sugar.
Overall, there are plenty of excellent ice cream recipe ideas for those looking for healthier desserts. Individuals should always be aware that over-restricting the foods they enjoy isn’t the solution to aging well, and enjoying sweet treats with minimally processed ingredients can be a valuable part of their lives. Eating good and feeling good can be one in the same with the right approach and sound guidance. To take the healthiest approach to dessert, individuals may benefit from consulting a licensed dietitian about their nutritional needs.
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