N’Ice Cream: A Healthier Approach to the Summertime Favorite
We’re at the height of summer, full of sunshine, family time, and adventures- which also means peak ice cream season! While this summertime favorite frozen dessert usually falls into the unhealthy category, I have some incredibly simple ways to upgrade your scoop to something more nutritious.
For those of you that may be thinking there’s no way it tastes like real ice cream, I put my recipes through the ultimate test: preteens.
As many of you know, I’m a momma to twins (turning 13 this week!) We recently celebrated National Ice Cream Day on July 19 which was an excellent opportunity to grab the family, get creative in the kitchen, and whip up “N’Ice Cream,” recipes that look and taste like the real thing minus the added sugar and unwarranted dairy. The results were unanimous: N’Ice Cream is here to stay!
They loved my favorite recipe and were also excited to create their own too. This is a mama win in the kitchen! Getting our children to eat healthy is obviously the goal, but to get them making their own healthy creations is so exciting to see!
I was so excited about my discovery that I decided to share my recipes in on a few national and local TV stations, which I’ll share more about below!
Why not indulge and reap the benefits of additional vitamins and nutrients. It’s as easy as swapping a few innovative ingredients for standard ones.
Healthier Swaps
Coconut Milk instead of Dairy:
Makes for the perfect creaminess and is vegan and gluten-free friendly. The MCT fats in coconut milk also help promote better brain function and weight management.
Avocados instead of Eggs:
It's a trendy food that has found another use. Yes --This savory ingredient indeed works in ice cream and is as immune-boosting as it is delicious. A healthy fat that aids with consistency, the neutral flavor takes a backseat to most ingredients, especially citrus. This could be great in a key-lime pie inspired recipe!
Dates instead of Sugar:
The natural sweetness won’t leave you feeling guilty about any added sugar. With many benefits, dates are rich in fiber, protein, and iron. They also make for a great snack!
Bananas instead of Cream:
A “go-to” base when whipping up a healthier ice cream recipe, bananas are a gut-health booster, and also contain high amounts of Vitamin B6, essential in producing the happy chemical, serotonin. Looking for a no-fuss recipe, simply combine frozen banana's with any other ingredient --my family loves combining it almond butter, freeze, then served topped with cocoa nibs--a healthier play on the classic flavor profile. Even my fussy teenage twins adore it!
Cacao Powder instead of Chocolate:
We (almost) all scream for ice cream — especially if it’s chocolate, revealed a 2018 survey exploring American's ice cream obsession. The raw and purest form of chocolate, when accompanied with other ingredients this swap will satisfy your fix while boosting antioxidants --responsible for glowing skin and magnesium, essential for energy production.
In The News
Check out my recent appearance on San Antonio Live where I shared my favorite N’Ice Cream Ingredients!
Dr. Renee’s Favorite N’Ice Cream Recipe
Banana & Almond Butter “Nice Cream” with Cocoa Nibs
Ingredients:
4–5 bananas, sliced
4 Tbsp almond butter
¼ Optional mix-ins: Cocoa Nibs
Directions:
• In a blender or food processor, blend bananas slices until smooth
• Once at the consistency of soft serve, add with four tablespoons of no-sugar-added almond butter until smooth.
• Transfer the mixture to a container and fold in your desired amount of cocoa nibs.
• Place this in the freezer for 8-12 hours, and enjoy!
Benefits:
Bananas contain a high amount of Vitamin B6, which is essential in producing the happy chemical, serotonin. They are also a rich source of magnesium, which helps to boost serotonin levels, making them an excellent food in managing anxiety and depression.
Almond butter is exceptional for gut health. Almond butter is rich in fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut, increasing its count. This good gut bacteria also helps produce serotonin, which enhances mood.
Similarly, magnesium-rich cocoa nib nourishes the good bacteria in the gut, which also increases levels of serotonin and fiber.
Share your creation!
For more tips and to share your N’Ice Cream creations, make sure you join my Free Facebook Community full of people just like you, finding unique ways to live a healthier lifestyle!