Healthy Creamsicles

Happy National Creamsicle Day! How awesome is that!?

Summer is generally associated with healthiness. Most people bust out the salads, fresh market veggies, and eat light in lieu of the heat. You’d think it would be a skinny time of year.

Me, though, I tend to eat more in the summertime. Sure, winters mean more carbs, stew, and lots of bread (to sop up said stew) but it doesn’t take a lot of that to keep me sated. Summer is sneaky, and it makes eating to excess easy.

You can’t enjoy summer without hitting a few sunny patios, which equate to (in true Chelsea and Finn style) lots of drinks and appies. Plus, you’ll probably go on at least one camping trip, which means hot dogs and s’mores will appear. Summer is filled with take-out dinners enjoyed in the park, late-night gelato runs, and fruity drinks like white wine and sangria. Plus, since it stays so much lighter later in the evening, it’s easy to eat dinner at 8pm. All these habits can add up!

Needless to say, while most people have their yearly ‘cleanse’ after the Christmas holiday season, mine is more likely to fall mid-September.

This year, though, I seem to be thinking healthier in general. I’ve been hitting local farmer’s markets regularly and consuming lots of fresh veggies and berries. I’ve discovered my hidden love for super green smoothies (recipe coming soon!) which make me feel awesome inside and out. I’ve been eating more salads, less carbs, been drinking less, and making more and more healthy recipes. See here! and here! and here!

My sweet tooth is slowly shrinking, and I think my body is thankful for it.

My recent dietary change might be because I can feel my metabolism going bye-bye a little bit more with every year. I’m no longer 20 and going to the gym at 6am every day (20-year-old Chelsea, you were crazy). It may also be because I’m planning on starting a trail running routine (once I get over a minor foot injury) and I’m incredibly motivated. It could also be because I’m trying to reduce my refined sugar intake, and the less sugar I consume, the less I crave it. Whatever the cause, it’s a good change.

That’s not to say I’m not indulging every once-in-a-while. I’m only human. Re: this. And this.

I’m trying to find ways to combine comforting flavours while staying healthy(ish). Don’t believe me? These popsicles are proof.

Healthy Creamsicles. Classic creamsicle recipes tend to use lots of ice cream, but these popsicles use Greek yogurt for a healthier option. The resulting popsicle is a delicious treat that packs that same orange & creamy taste, but with less calories (and less guilt).

Let me say, though, that these are definitely not as sweet as those Creamsicles you had as a kid, from the back of the ice cream truck that you chased for 3 blocks with Mom’s $2 clasped in your hand. These are a healthier version; less sugary sweet, more naturally sweet thanks to the honey, greek yogurt, and freshly squeezed orange juice. If you’re in a pinch, you can use orange juice from concentrate (but fresh just makes it that much better!).

Feel free to make a double batch! Hey, these could technically be considered breakfast… right?