Summer heat inspires cool, summer treats.  But if you're not careful, your summer treats could contribute to unwanted weight gain.  One vente mocha frappuccino from Starbuck's provides a whopping 500 calories.  Just one of these every day would promote one pound of weight gain every week. By downsizing to a tall (12 ounces verses 24 ounces) and lightening up the ingredients, you save 390 calories. 

Here are some healthy options to help you cool down:

Try this immune- boosting c-breeze - named for its excellent vitamin C content.  It's easy to prepare and each refreshing serving delivers 230 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, along with 80 percent of the RDA for vitamin A.  This recipe is taken from the book, "Super Smoothies," by Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford.  They recommend using a food processor to make this recipe instead of a blender, because in a processor the tiny seeds of the kiwi remain whole. If they are blended, the seeds give the drink an unpleasant bitter taste.

Combine the following ingredients in a food processor. 

     1 cup diced kiwi (about 3), chilled

     1 cup orange sherbet

     1-¾ cups diced cantaloupe, chilled

     Process until smooth.  Makes 2 servings (250 calories).

For a quick fruit smoothie, blend 2 cups frozen fruit (such as banana and strawberries) with 1 cup non-fat or 1% milk or soy milk and 1 cup of yogurt. Blend and serve in your favorite summer glass.

If you want to make you own frozen desserts, choose non-fat or low-fat dairy or soy products.  Choose frozen desserts made with fruit.  Usually a recipe can be made with less sugar and fat.  Lighten up your own summertime favorites by choosing low-fat ice creams.  Brands such as Weight Watchers, Skinny Cow and Healthy Choice offer a variety of low-calorie frozen treats and most standard brands offer low-fat options.

Many frozen fruit desserts are on the market, too, including popsicles made from fruit.  Freeze grapes for a simple, refreshing and sweet treat.  Freeze 100% fruit juice in ice cube trays for adding to sparkling water.

For a refreshing homemade frozen pop, try these watermelon pomegranate pops by the Meal Makeover Mom, Registered Dietitian Liz Weiss:

1-½ cups cubed seedless watermelon

1/2 cup pomegranate blueberry juice

Combine the watermelon and juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into four 3-ounce popsicle molds and freeze until firm, about 3 hours. To remove the pops from the molds, run under warm water to loosen. If you  don't have popsicle molds, divide the liquid between four paper cups. Cover each cup with foil, insert one craft stick through the center of each foil, and freeze.  4 servings. (30 calories each)