Homemade Frozen Yogurt Popsicles and Summer Snacking Tips

by Arielle J on August 22, 2017

During the summer, it feels like the day literally flies by. Gemma wakes me up around 7:30am and before I know it, it’s time to put her to back to bed! I’m typically on mom duty (other than a few hours when my mom, mother-in-law or babysitter comes over) so having ready-to-eat energizing and easy snacks on hand is super important for my lifestyle. As much as I love being in the kitchen and cooking up fancy meals from scratch, I have much less time to prepare food nowadays.

Below are some of my favorite hot weather snack tips that keep me cool, energized and sane, in partnership with siggi’s. And don’t miss my yummy Matcha Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt Popsicles recipe at the end!

Eat often
Since I breastfeed about four times a day, it’s important for me to eat nourishing food to maintain my milk supply. Also, if I don’t eat some type of protein every 2-3 hours, I get hangry. Like really hangry. When my blood sugar takes a dive, I feel on edge, super jittery and my mind becomes cloudy. And when that happens, it’s not fun for me and it’s even worse for the people around me – just ask my husband and best friend!

So to make sure my mind and body function optimally, I eat protein every 2-3 hours. Within minutes of eating, my mood is elevated, my energy is boosted and my mind is clearer. The protein-packed snack also helps to keep me full until the next meal.

Stock up
Being prepared is key, so my handbag and kitchen are always well stocked. Here are a few snacks that I keep on hand daily during the summer.

In my handbag/stroller bag, I keep:
– snack pack of raw almonds, cashews and unsalted pistachios
– a few healthy bars
– small container of almond crackers
– reusable bottle filled with frozen fruit
– packets of collagen protein powder

In my fridge, I keep:
– pasture-raised eggs
– organic mozzarella cheese sticks
– siggi’s yogurt (my faves: 4% plain, 4% honey and triple cream vanilla)
– seasonal fruit from the farmers market (recently, it’s been watermelon, plums, nectarines and cherries)
– mint dark chocolate
– raw almond butter
– baby carrots
– organic chicken sausage

In my freezer, I keep:
– coconut milk ice cream
– homemade bone broth
– frozen fruit for smoothies (blueberries, strawberries and dragon fruit)
– frozen spinach for smoothies

Keep cool
Since becoming pregnant my body craves yogurt. I enjoy eating it during the summer because it’s cold and creamy and best of all, it’s ready to eat! When I’m hungry in the morning or need a boost of energy around 3pm, I’ll mix in a few almonds, fresh raspberries and unsweetened shredded coconut for a yummy parfait. Or, instead of almond milk, I’ll add a container of plain siggi’s to my smoothie ingredients. Within minutes, I feel more grounded and satisfied.

siggi’s is one of my go-to brands because it’s made with lots of protein, simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar. All of their products are sourced from grass-fed cows, made with non-GMO ingredients and without artificial sweeteners or food coloring. Also, an 8oz serving of their plain yogurt contains 25g of protein and no added sugar so it’s the perfect protein-packed snack.

My fave type of yogurt:
– 2%, 4% or triple cream – since these contain good fats, they fill me up for longer than the 0% varieties (not to mention, the fat is also good for maintaining my breast milk supply)

My fave yogurt flavors:
– plain – since there’s no sugar added, I like having control over how much I sweeten it up. To sweeten, I add fruit, dates, coconut palm sugar, maple syrup or honey.
– vanilla – most brands add cane sugar to their vanilla, siggi’s adds agave (which I prefer over cane sugar)
– touch of honey – if I’m on the go, or I’m craving something sweet, I love the touch of honey

My fave summer yogurt toppings:
– chopped peaches
– sliced strawberries
– raspberries
– sprinkle of shredded coconut
– cacao nibs
– few fresh mint leaves

Easy Summer Snack Recipe
I’m obsessed with mint chocolate chip ice cream, so I love snacking on these popsicles during a hot summer afternoon or after dinner for dessert when I’m craving something cold, creamy, and sweet.

Matcha Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
What you need:
One 24oz container siggi’s 4% honey yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or unsweetened cacao nibs
4 tsp unsweetened matcha powder (optional for color)

Directions:
1. Take container of yogurt and mix in almond milk, peppermint extract and matcha powder with a spoon until matcha powder is smooth and color is a pretty green. Then, add chocolate chips and peppermint leaves.
2. Once all ingredients are mixed well, using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, carefully pour a little more than 1/4 cup into each popsicle maker, leaving a little room for a layer of chocolate chips.
3. Add a layer of a few chocolate chips on top and then place popsicle stick into each one carefully.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until frozen. If you would like to make it look fancy with the diagonal visual, first mix in all ingredients (without matcha). Fill up ice pop maker 1/4 way, freeze on an angle in your freezer for approximately 1 hour until semi-frozen. Then, mix matcha with rest of yogurt mixture and add to popsicle maker. Voila!