Summertime Orange Float Recipe

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Florida Orange Juice. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summertime calls for lazy days and relaxing schedules. Except when we need to be at camps, Bible school or other activities earlier in the morning than we’d like. We crawl out of bed, hop in the showers, and head to the kitchen for a family breakfast before we race off to one activity or the other the past couple of weeks. Pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or a breakfast of yogurt and sugar free orange julius’ get us through the mornings.

I always feel good knowing that he’s enjoying his morning with friends fueled with a nutritious breakfast.

Then, it’s time to make my round of pickups and lunches as Little Buddy shares all about his morning with me. But one of our favorite times of the day is after lunch as we play outside, working in the garden or just around the farm. Coming back to the house, we’re usually hot, thirsty and a wee bit tired from burning off all of that energy on these warm Georgia summer afternoons. That’s when I like to surprise him with a fun Orange Float as a part of our refreshing snack.

Made with two simple ingredients that I always have on hand, vanilla ice cream and orange juice, it is a snack that he loves and thinks is a very special treat. It reminds me of the frosted oranges we would order from The Varsity before Braves baseball games growing up.

But being able to sip them on my back porch after an afternoon of playing in my own back yard makes them even more special. And knowing that I’ve made a treat my son loves that is good for him is even better.

In working with Florida Orange Juice, I’ve learned that just one 8-ounce serving of 100% orange juice is a good source of potassium and folate and is a great source of vitamin C. I also learned that 100% orange provides half of the USDA-recommended daily fruit intake for most adults without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners!

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD also provides wonderful nutrition tips to incorporate into your day.

Jumpstart your morning with a nutritious meal that includes protein, fruit and energizing nutrient-dense carbs.
Blend your favorite fruit with 100 percent Florida orange juice and low-fat yogurt for a convenient, on-the-go smoothie.
Substitute 100 percent Florida orange juice for water in your pancake batter to give your meal a zesty, new taste. 

When looking for a snack, think outside the box before trying to satisfy your cravings from roadside convenience stores or airport kiosks.
Plan ahead and take a cooler with portable, smart snacks that fit your on-the-go lifestyle like nuts, hummus with veggies, granola bars and 8-ounce cartons of 100 percent orange juice that will help give you the energy and nutrients you need to get through your travel day.

Outdoor grilling and dining is a great way for your family and friends to enjoy the warmer weather.
Protein is a vital part of your daily diet, as it provides nutrients and may help satisfy hunger longer than most fats or carbohydrates.
Choose leaner cuts of beef, pork, and poultry to grill and pair your protein with other nutrient-rich foods, such as high-fiber fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Add 100 percent Florida orange juice to marinades for poultry and pork for a refreshing citrus zing and pour a glass of 100 percent orange juice to accompany your meal.

Join Florida Orange Juice on Facebook for great facts and fun tips and follow along Florida Orange Juice on Pinterest