The lifted spirits that accompany cries of “school’s out!” are enough to take me back to the taste of summer childhood joys. Frequent trips to the swimming pool, family vacations, and time to ponder life outside of school assignments all provide a beautiful season of growth for children and adults alike. As you pack your bags, tuck away these fun dōTERRA® ideas to help you achieve your wellness goals this summer.
An easy, bubbly start is Citrus Sparkling Water. Whether you gave up soda years ago or are now ready to make the cut, a cold bubbly glass is still in order to celebrate the long, hot days of summer. First, identify your favorite sparkling water, the one with just the right amount of carbonation. Then add to your glass Kumquat, Lime, Wild Orange, or Grapefruit oil for a zippy, tangy soda replacement that can cleanse the body rather than overload it with sugar!
Ever made a healthy smoothie that did double duty as a popsicle base? If you’re among the many moms and dads who have children running around the house all summer asking for snacks, and requiring way more kitchen duty than they did during the school year, this one’s for you. Fuel your little ones with a PB Power Smoothie: using all sorts of fruits and veggies of your choice, including almond or oat milk and maybe some nut butter, blend it all up with ice and a sachet of PB Assist+® Jr powdered probiotic supplement. If citrus oils fit your flavor profile, add some of those, too. If any leftovers remain, pour into popsicle molds and place in the freezer. Pull these treats out later or the next day for a healthy summer treat.
While we’re on the topic of pops, I’d be remiss not to share this fun recipe with you. They’re called Coconut Chocolate Chip Pops, and to make them you’ll need:
• 3 bananas
• 1 1/2 cups coconut cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 drops Lemon (or other citrus) essential oil
• handful of chocolate chips (I like the miniature dairy-free variety)
• popsicle molds of choice and wooden sticks
Blend bananas, coconut cream, vanilla extract, and essential oil until smooth. Place a few chocolate chips into empty molds before adding a small amount of cream mixture. Sprinkle in a few more chocolate chips. Repeat pattern until molds are full; this will distribute the chocolate chips evenly. Freeze for 1 hour while wooden sticks are soaking. Remove from freezer, add sticks, and freeze for 2 additional hours or until firm. Serve and enjoy!
Reach for one of these sweet pops as a healthy dessert, an afternoon snack, or a fun surprise to reveal when company of all ages and stages are visiting.
All this summer fun and mayhem is making me want to treat the adult in charge to a morning (or anytime) pick-me-up. Use your oils to transform a morning coffee routine into a chilly treat by icing your regular cup, then adding a drop of Peppermint oil and some cacao powder. Peppermint Mocha can help charge you up for the full day ahead! To sweeten things up just a tad, let some organic stevia or a bit of honey do the trick. If you’re loving this oily iced coffee idea, you might want to bring Cinnamon Bark oil into the mix as well. Got a grown-up friend or two coming over to spend the afternoon with you while the kids play together? Invite them to join you, serving them iced coffee fancied up with the oils and add-ons of their choice. Sipping on these cool minty mochas, the adults can have just as much fun as the kids.
Class is out, and summer is in! Celebrate by making these refreshing, healthful additions to your day. Oils like dōTERRA Lemon, Wild Orange, Grapefruit, and others we’ve mentioned don’t stop at bringing the fresh flavor: they also offer digestive support and the feeling of satisfaction that helps us make consistently wiser dietary choices. May you be well, and enjoy the spirit of summertime!