Florida Orange Juice Creamsicles – Fun and Hydrating Snacks for Summer

School is out, and camp mom is officially in business! Summer time is all about creating memories and making each day special. Many of us spend our days outside. Whether at the pool or the beach, summer time is all about fun in the sun. Unfortunately, being a pediatrician, I see firsthand some of the dangers of these outdoor activities, especially when it comes to summer hydration for kids. We treat a lot of sun illness and dehydration during the summer months.

The kids only just finished school last week, but the temperatures are already at an all-time high! So I thought it would be fun to give you guys an activity you can do with your kids that not only will keep them hydrated during these hot summer months but will also get the camp mom seal of approval. I think I’ve hit the nail on the head with a fun, delicious, and nutritious recipe!

Heat-Related Illnesses in Children

In the ER, I often treat heat-related illnesses over the summer months. With the heat rising and outdoor activities at a max, it is easy for children to suffer from dehydration. You should treat a day in the sun like your child is participating in a sporting event. Children should drink 5-to-9 ounces of fluid (10-to-18 “gulps”) every 20 minutes during activity, depending on weight (teenagers should drink more). Younger children should have water bottles with marks on the sides showing how much to drink. Also, remind them often how many “gulps” to drink.

A Secret Recipe to Summer Hydration for Kids

Do you remember creamsicles that were super popular back in the day? Well, they are still incredibly delicious. And when they’re homemade, they’re even nutritious thanks to a secret ingredient!

Don’t worry – I’ll let you in on the secret!

These DIY creamsicle popsicles are quick and easy to make, and the kids all love them. Not only did our kids have a blast making them but they couldn’t wait to set up a little stand outside our house and share them with our neighbors. Who wants lemonade when you can have a dreamy creamsicle made with nutritious Florida Orange Juice? This star component will help keep your kids healthy and hydrated all summer long!

100% orange juice is naturally almost 90 percent water, which is perfect for staying well hydrated while being active! In addition to being incredibly hydrating, the benefits of an 8-ounce serving of Florida Orange Juice are abundant. 100% orange juice is instrumental in building immunity for kids, and fortified OJ is rich in the calcium and vitamin D kids need for growth and bone development. Citrus juices, such as 100% Florida OJ, are reportedly the largest contributor of vitamin C in the diet – a powerful antioxidant nutrient key in supporting immune health, iron absorption, and skin and bone health.

Delicious AND nutritious – it doesn’t get any better than that!

Florida Orange Juice Creamsicle Recipe

There are so many recipes (like this one), but here is the recipe we used for our Neighborhood Popsicle Stand. You can absolutely use wooden popsicle sticks, but I found these fun popsicle molds at Ross and knew they were perfect for this project!

*If you do use popsicle sticks, let the popsicles sit in the freezer for 30 minutes to 1 hour before placing the sticks in the center of the mold.*

Ingredients and Supplies:

• 2 cups of Florida Orange Juice frozen into ice cubes
• 1 cup of Sugar Free & Fat Free French Vanilla Cream (or Almond Milk Creamer)
• Cool Whip
• Assorted fruits (bananas, mangos, pineapples, etc.)
• Popsicle molds
• Popsicle sticks

Directions:

1. First, pour OJ in to ice cube trays and freeze
2. Once frozen, blend together the Florida Orange Juice ice cubes with 1 cup of vanilla cream.
3. Then fill your popsicle molds halfway with the mixture.
4. Add a layer of Cool Whip and/or fruit! Choose one, or add both!
5. Finally, fill remainder of popsicle molds with orange juice and vanilla cream mixture and freeze.
6. Enjoy a refreshing treat, and share with friends, family, and neighbors!

   

Final Thoughts

My kids were so excited to share their treats with neighbors and let everyone know who made the scrumptious popsicles! This project is a great opportunity to remind your children of the importance of taking breaks from the sun and rehydrating.

Heat-associated illnesses can be extremely dangerous. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses, and and promote proper summer hydration for kids.

So try your own Florida Orange Juice Creamsicles, and let us know how they turn out!

At Forever Freckled, we are honored and excited to collaborate with the Florida Department of Citrus to spread the word on the amazing health benefits of 100% orange juice and fun ways to stay hydrated this summer!

Dr. Katie

*This post is sponsored, but all opinions are my own.*