How many of us remember the summer days of youth, when we ran into the local convenience store, excitedly anticipating cold, fruit-flavored slushes? Its icy texture combined with sweet nectar made for the perfect refreshing beverage. On the other end of the spectrum, a juicing craze that’s taken hold of Americans’ diets. We’re familiar with Icees too, though they’re not always the most nutritious of frozen concoctions. But what about combining the health factor of real fruit juice with the chilling refreshment of an Icee?
Nowadays, we’re a little more health-conscious than in our Slurpee-sipping days, so how about some wholesome updates on a classic? Juice slushes are super easy to make, all you need is a blender, some ice and your pick of fruit and/or supplements to pack a beneficial punch. Don’t hesitate to get the neighbors involved! Juice slushes are perfect refreshers during a Memorial Day BBQ or after a long day at the beach.
This first juice slush is super invigorating on a hot afternoon. It’s a watermelon and mint slushy that has only three ingredients — ice, mint and watermelon. It’s easy to put together and provides several health benefits, since watermelons are a great source of vitamins A, B6 and C, and have high levels of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. Mint is a digestion promotor that soothes indigestion and inflammation and even clears up nose, throat and lung congestion. Garnish with lime wedges for a tart kick!
The ever-popular green juice gets the slushy treatment from Healthy Grocery Girl. The recipe comes courtesy of Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and founder of Healthy Grocery Girl, a nutrition services company, so you know it’s legit! Nutritional powerhouses like fresh greens (arugula, spinach and/or kale), lemon, ginger and cucumber provide the drinker multiple benefits. Ginger, for example, has been shown to reduce muscle pain and soreness after a workout, and cucumber consumption is associated with lower stroke and heart disease risks because of high potassium concentration (152 mg per cup).
Speaking of combatting soreness after a workout, why not try a banana berry protein slushy for added exercise and weight loss benefits? Plus, it tastes like the dessert you’re probably denying yourself! This protein slush includes berries, which are full of phytochemicals that prevent cell damage, and flavonoids called anthocyanidins which keep us mentally sharp! The added vanilla whey supplement also gives this slush a kick of protein and the banana is filling.
As the long, hot days of summer loom ever closer and the sun stays out even longer, recharge and rehydrate with juice slushes. Your body and taste buds will thank you!
All copy by Dana Hornor. Dana is a digital marketing manager at the FirstService Residential’s corporate headquarters in Dania Beach, Florida.
