“We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are.” ~ Adelle Davis
It happens to the best of us. Summertime starts off with exciting healthful intentions, but there is something about summer temptations that provide a hurdle in maintaining our health kick. We as adults have our own hurdles, check out August: Letting Go of Summer Toxins, and our little ones experience it too. It can be challenging with pool parties, barbeques, picnics, summer camp, sleepovers and summer getaways to monitor and limit what children consume.
One temptation in particular is the quintessential summer treat; there are even musical trucks that deliver a wide variety of this summer delight. Yep you guessed it; I’m talking about ice cream! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
What could possibly be wrong with ice cream? Before we get there, let’s start off by saying I truly believe there are no forbidden foods. What is important is moderation. In the case of ice cream moderation can be a tough sell to our little ones soaking up the summer sun.
Here are a few concerns to consider in the case of ice cream:
- Dairy – is an inflammatory food that disrupts our immune system and causes congestion in the body. If your kids are susceptible to ear infections, coughs, colds or flu’s consider removing dairy from their diet until the condition heals. Fermented dairy, such as kefir and yogurt, are the exception. They are pro-biotic and support our immune system. In either case , whenever possible dairy should be purchased organic, free of hormones and antibiotics. Dairy should also be consumed in moderation and eliminated in cases of suppressed immunity or congestion.
- Preservatives –We are what we eat and good rule a thumb is to stay clear of foods with long shelf lives. The longer the shelf life, the less supportive that food will be. Live foods with short shelf lives are the best foods to support our health. Preserved foods are stagnant and filled with chemicals. These chemicals are designed to go against the natural process of spoiling and keep foods edible beyond their natural life. Many preservatives have been linked to allergies, kidney damage, liver damage and poor brain function. Fresh foods have life, vibrancy and are packed with nutrition that foster good overall health.
- Chemical Flavoring & Coloring – MSG, iodized salt and many others are used to make foods flavorful and addicting. They are also extremely harmful and have been linked to headaches, chest pains, neurological disorders, infertility and brain damage. Chemical dyes are used to attract kids with bright fun colors and to make food appear fresher than it is. These are also harmful chemicals that disrupt brain develop and our nervous system.
- Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners – are highly refined and toxic. High fructose corn syrup is now hidden in foods under many different names. Ice cream is packed with sugar and artificial sweeteners that have been linked to obesity, ADD, ADHD, brain damage, MS, lupus and damage to the nervous system.
Yikes, right? Ice cream is still a delicious treat that can be enjoyed. There are a lot of great quality options out there. Look at the label if there are more ingredients than you can count on both hands and ingredients you can’t pronounce or recognize in nature, perhaps it is best to select another brand. If possible, choose organic brands without chemical flavoring, preservatives and dyes and consume on a limited, not daily, basis.
For a more healthful option, frozen bananas can become your best summer or ANY time friend. If you are like me you often have more bananas than you can use before they turn over ripe. Just before they get to that point, store them in the freezer in a Ziploc bag, to have on hand to make frozen “creams”. A frozen banana pureed in a high power blender/vitamix or food processor will create an ice cream like treat your kids will love. Frozen bananas provide a naturally sweet base to create healthier versions of their favorite ice cream flavors. Check out the simple 3-4 ingredient recipes for Orange Dream Cream, Honey Peanut Butter Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cream.
Eat well & Stay Cool!
Rena Unger
Holistic Nutrition Chef ~ Culinary Educator ~ Yoga Teacher ~ Sacred Living Guide ~ Doula
Orange Dream Cream- Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
½ – 1 fresh orange, peeled and deseeded (start with ½ and increase to desired consistency and flavor)
½ tsp alcohol free vanilla extract
Directions to make with the kids: blend all ingredients in a vitamix, food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately
Honey Peanut Butter Cream – Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp honey
Directions to make with the kids: blend all ingredients in a vitamix, food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cream – Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 frozen banana
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp honey
Directions to make with the kids: blend all ingredients in a vitamix, food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately