Tequila Paletas!
Over half of the U.S. adult population, some 154 million, qualify as overweight or obese. Another 29 million of us have Diabetes, many as a direct result of being overweight. Then there are the 23.9 million overweight children dutifully following the example of their XXL adult role models. Diabetes and these extra pounds cost this country billions annually in both medical and economic resources, not to mention the effect these weight-related maladies have on a person’s overall mental well-being and happiness. However, both diabetes and being overweight are very manageable, even preventable, with a few lifestyle tweaks. By maintaining a sensible diet in conjunction with some consistent exercise, no matter how minimal, we can all be in total control of our own weight. One easy way to start taking that control is to make decisions about the foods we eat based on the glycemic index [GI] and glycemic load [GL].
Simply put, our bodies convert all foods into sugar calories that provide energy to the body via the bloodstream. The Glycemic Index assigns a score of 1 to 100 to all foods based on how quickly the body converts that food into sugar. Foods that break down slowly enable the body to assimilate these calories of energy more efficiently without overwhelming the body with more sugar than it can process. While this is especially important for people with diabetes who process sugars much slower than others, everyone can benefit from foods with low glycemic scores since they also reduce appetite and encourage the metabolism to burn body fat. Conversely, a diet of foods high on the glycemic charts has been proven to increase appetite and impede effective fat oxidation.
A QUICKIE GLYCEMIC PRIMER:
- The glycemic index of a food compares its effect on blood sugar level to that of pure glucose, which has a score of 100. White breads, which are made of processed white flour, are at the top of this scale, scoring a “perfect” 100 on the glycemic index. For perspective, a score of 55 or below denotes a low glycemic index food; 70 or above is considered very high. Serving size is not a consideration in arriving at a food’s Glycemic Index number.
- The glycemic load, on the other hand, focuses on how much digestible carbohydrates (sugars) a food contains in a typical single serving, which is defined as approximately 3.5 ounces. For glycemic load, a score of 20 or more is high, while 10 or less is low.
The Mexican Paleta and the U.S. popsicle are both frozen treats on a stick. However, the ingredients are completely different and could even be said to reflect a difference in culinary cultures. That is, paletas are generally known for using more natural, fresh ingredients, such as real fruit, and often include chunks of fruit. In contrast, the U.S.-made retail popsicle is typically made with flavored syrups, artificial colors, and stabilizers, reflecting the fast-food culture. Paletas are also more likely to feature unique or complex flavor combinations, such as mango with chili or coconut with lime, while popsicles tend to have simpler, more uniform flavors.
The translation of the above definitional phrase, “more uniform flavors,” is boring. It’s sweltering August; best to get out of the kitchen, except for the freezer, with this adult-only dessert delight that refreshes with a spicy kick! Popsicles are for kids, you say, but not these upgraded watermelon-chili powder paletas laced with tequila and lime. Perfect for serving as a surprise dessert after a satisfying BBQ to guests settling in around the fire ring on a summer evening. No doubt your guests have not enjoyed any version of a popsicle in years! There is always room for a fresh fruit paleta, and may we never be too old to enjoy one either! However, if one needs any justification, the paleta is healthier by sheer definition, as fresh fruit(s) are the only ingredients. In fact, I found this recipe on the ‘net but included sugar, which I simply cut out without missing its role in affecting the frozen texture.
Using a very low carb seedless mini-watermelon, and half of a melon produced 10 frozen paletas. Watermelons are 92% water, making them a perfect thirst quencher that also significantly reduces carbs per serving. Plus, the fruit is nutrient-rich, packed with vitamins A and C; the red color indicates the presence of cancer-fighting lycopene.
A low-carb diet and alcohol? Firstly, half a cup of tequila spread over that much fruit is only a flavoring. One can certainly drive after or try admitting to the officer that you had one popsicle. The fact is that alcohol has no direct effect on blood sugar. While there may be other reasons some should stay away from consumption, following a low-carb regime or being diabetic is not one of them. Of course, always drink in moderation. If you are on medication that regulates blood sugar, avoid drinking on an empty stomach. A doctor once described it best: just be sure to “feed your alcohol” with some carbs. Besides, wouldn’t it be fun to sit around a fire pit again, this time with an upgraded, healthy replacement for that childhood grape popsicle, for instance, that did not have one iota of real grape in it. Oh, and the best way to keep these tasty and enticing desserts out of the hands of nearby children: no leftovers!
Tequila Paletas!
Makes 10
Ingredients
4 cups Red Seedless Mini Watermelon, diced
½ cup tequila
3 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
4 tablespoons Hatch Red Chile Powder, mild or hot, divided
Preparation
Place the watermelon, tequila, lime juice, half the chile powder in the blender and process until smooth.
Place another ½ tsp. chili powder at the bottom of each popsicle mold.
Pour in watermelon mixture into molds, snap on lids, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze overnight.
Remove from form, sprinkle with more Hash Powder. Enjoy!
