Innocent Ice Pops are the latest craze to reach the market and have been a big hit among consumers. Started by 26-year-old Sophie Milrom, these pops are made with whole fruit and vegetables and boast no added sugars, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. The idea was born after perusing the freezer aisle and not seeing any healthier frozen-pop options. She decided to try her hand at making her own experimenting with various flavor combinations and had her friends weigh in on the most delicious homemade flavors.
A New Juice Craze?
Many of us know of the juice craze that has swept the nation in the past year, but are these vegetable and fruit ice pops a healthy alternative to juicing? In short, the answer is yes. As a dietitian, we stress the importance of not using juicing as a meal replacement, but neither does Milrom. We know that juicing for long periods of time will often leave out essential key nutrients. Although a juice cleanse can result in weight loss, the shedding of pounds comes from the restrictive nature and low calorie content of just drinking juice. Drinking fresh juices in addition to a balanced diet provides you with the best of both worlds.
From a dietitian's point of view, I think Innocent Ice Pops would be great on the go for both adults and children and can make getting in your daily servings of fruits and vegetables more fun. They're also convenient for many who crave something healthy but do not have the time.
A Low-Cal Treat
The pops won't throw off your calories for the day since they only range from 45 to 80 calories each, less than many ice pops currently out on the market.
At this time, Innocent Ice Pops come in four flavors which include everything from carrots, kale and beets. For those more seasoned juicers, there is a unique flavor that includes lemon and cayenne pepper. Milrom does have flavors with added fruit to give the pops some natural sweetness. The main benefit of these pops is the increased fiber content since Milrom has chosen to blend the whole fruits and not just juice them when mixing up her blends.
Make Your Own
The major problem is the limited availability of these uniquely flavored pops. At this time, Innocent Ice Pops are only sold in select stores in New York and New Jersey. If you can't get your hands on Innocent Ice Pops and are in the mood for a healthier fruit and vegetable pop, you can always try your hand at making your own. In a blender, combine frozen berries, banana and a handful of your favorite greens. Be sure to blend well. Add juice mixture into a pop molds, let freeze and enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to come up with a favorite.
[Photo: Innocent Ice Pops]
Is There Any Benefit to a Fad Diet?
A New Juice Craze?
Many of us know of the juice craze that has swept the nation in the past year, but are these vegetable and fruit ice pops a healthy alternative to juicing? In short, the answer is yes. As a dietitian, we stress the importance of not using juicing as a meal replacement, but neither does Milrom. We know that juicing for long periods of time will often leave out essential key nutrients. Although a juice cleanse can result in weight loss, the shedding of pounds comes from the restrictive nature and low calorie content of just drinking juice. Drinking fresh juices in addition to a balanced diet provides you with the best of both worlds.
From a dietitian's point of view, I think Innocent Ice Pops would be great on the go for both adults and children and can make getting in your daily servings of fruits and vegetables more fun. They're also convenient for many who crave something healthy but do not have the time.
A Low-Cal Treat
The pops won't throw off your calories for the day since they only range from 45 to 80 calories each, less than many ice pops currently out on the market.
At this time, Innocent Ice Pops come in four flavors which include everything from carrots, kale and beets. For those more seasoned juicers, there is a unique flavor that includes lemon and cayenne pepper. Milrom does have flavors with added fruit to give the pops some natural sweetness. The main benefit of these pops is the increased fiber content since Milrom has chosen to blend the whole fruits and not just juice them when mixing up her blends.
Make Your Own
The major problem is the limited availability of these uniquely flavored pops. At this time, Innocent Ice Pops are only sold in select stores in New York and New Jersey. If you can't get your hands on Innocent Ice Pops and are in the mood for a healthier fruit and vegetable pop, you can always try your hand at making your own. In a blender, combine frozen berries, banana and a handful of your favorite greens. Be sure to blend well. Add juice mixture into a pop molds, let freeze and enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to come up with a favorite.
[Photo: Innocent Ice Pops]
Is There Any Benefit to a Fad Diet?
Kristen Bourque, RD, LD has been writing health-related articles since 2000. Her nutrition articles and recipes have been featured in "Today's Dietitian" as well as the Canadian magazine "Glow". Kristen combines her love of nutrition with cooking on her personal blog, Swanky Dietitian.
