by Karlie Morris

The temperatures are rising and summer is quickly approaching. With the warmer weather arriving, the temptations to eat high calorie items like ice cream are at a high. The good news is you don’t need to grab Ben & Jerry’s to satisfy your cravings. If you want to indulge but not pack on the pounds, here is a list of five yummy alternatives to enjoy and keep you cool all summer.

Chocolate Dipped Frozen Bananas

This is a classic treat, and easy enough for you to make in your dorm room. All you have to do is freeze a banana onto a Popsicle stick, melt some chocolate and then dip the bananas. Let them freeze again and there you go; easy and less than 180 calories.

Frozen Fruit Pops

This is perfect for those poolside days that are ahead. A great place to pick these up in town is Steel City Pops. They have a large variety of flavors and it’s the perfect end to a run on the Katy Trail.

Frozen Grapes

This is a great on the go, simple and healthy snack option. If you’ve never tried these before you are in for a treat — they taste like candy! All you have to do is rinse your grapes and freeze them for a minimum of 2 hours before eating. You can also use them as ice cubes in your favorite summer drinks.

Greek Yogurt and Fresh Fruit

If you want something rich and creamy then this is perfect. The flavor combinations are endless. Just grab your favorite yogurt flavor and top with whichever fruit you have on hand. It’s easy and you can enjoy it for less than 200 calories.

Sorbet

Ice cream has a lot of calories and fat, but a half-cup serving of sorbet will only set you back about 150 calories. Sorbet contains no dairy, so if you are lactose intolerant this is a great option. Most sorbet is fruit flavored but you can also get flavors like chocolate and vanilla. You can make it yourself, or head over to Paciugo in West Village to try out this treat.