If you are trying to make peace with food this summer, desserts can be a scary subject. Part of eating disorder recovery and learning to eat intuitively is honoring cravings – including sweets. There’s absolutely no reason to feel guilty or shameful that you have cravings or want to eat foods simply for enjoyment- it is totally normal (and not all eating needs to be hunger-based, or the most nutritious choice)! If you find yourself wanting something cold and creamy to cool off this summer, give yourself permission and ask yourself these questions: what desserts are meaningful to you, or have positive memories of? What desserts bring you pleasure, or used to? What am I craving right now? If you aren’t sure, or if you are curious and like to get creative in the kitchen, we’ve picked out a few recipes to consider incorporating into your summer eating. Here are 4 cool recipes that don’t require you to turn on the oven:
Cookies & Cream Popsicles
Popsicles and ice cream cones are summer staples when you want something sweet. This recipe is like a mash up of both – frozen ice cream on a stick. You can even mix it up and try different flavors of oreos -there’s so many possibilities (hello, Golden oreos). Popsicle molds can be found at most grocery stores or dollar stores.
Strawberry Shortcake Truffles
While strawberry shortcake is such a craveable warm weather dessert, it does require turning on the oven to bake those biscuits. These truffles are similar but with a twist…white chocolate, strawberries, cream cheese…yum! These little balls are easy to roll up, pop into the freezer, and enjoy in no time.
Yogurt Bark 4 Ways
There are lots of variations of yogurt bark out there, here’s 4: honey granola, mixed berry, dark chocolate peanut butter, and tropical. These recipes call for spreading greek yogurt onto a cookie sheet, adding whatever mix-ins you like, and freezing it. You then cut it into pieces and enjoy. This bark is great for a protein-rich breakfast, snack or dessert. Get the recipe here.
Root Beer Float
This summer classic is less of a recipe and more of an infamous pairing: vanilla ice cream topped with root beer. Eat with a spoon (while you can) or drink with a straw.
