DIY: Healthy Homemade Popsicles

Its been a scorcher lately! Time to cool down with some homemade popsicles! They're easy and fun to make and the best part is that they're not only delicious but healthy for you and the planet! By making them at home, you can assure that there will no added sugar or preservatives, you can choose to purchase local and organic ingredients or use ingredients from your garden, reduce packaging waste and save money! You can either use store bought popsicle molds or ice cube trays and toothpicks (just like mom used to make!) Here are a few flavor ideas:

• Freeze any fruit or vegetable juice, mix them together or choose one flavor
• Add sparkling water to any juice for an extra refreshing treat
• Freeze PLAIN WATER, its not as boring as it sounds and great for hydration needs
• Try freezing plain of flavored coconut water, also great for replenishing fluids
• Use plain or fruit "flavored" yogurt (or kefir) or add fresh fruit to plain yogurt
• Freeze applesauce, if its thick, try mixing in a little water
• Cook sweet potatoes, mash, mix smooth, sprinkle in a little nutmeg and freeze
• Make sun tea or green tea and add chamomile and lemon, freeze
• Puree any fresh fruits or vegetables that you desire for a power packed treat
• Make popsicles with Emergen-C and water
• Try freezing fresh fruit in nut milk
• Blend bananas, dark chocolate and any nut butter, freeze
• Add fresh ginger to any popsicle to ease nausea or indigestion
• Add fresh herbs to any of your creations, they can be used for flavoring or as a great way to take herbs medicinally, a particularly good method for kids

These are just a few ideas; the sky is the limit when it comes to making popsicles! Let your imagination run wild, experiment frequently and enjoy your creations!