Does anything scream summer more than a frozen treat on a hot day? The answer is no, nothing. Which leads me to talk about my new summer obsession: frozen yogurt (fro-yo if you’re trendy). Yes, that’s right; I am going to challenge all previous posts about establishing good blogging habits and writing meaningful blogs by talking about what I’ve eaten today instead.
The heat of summer brings about short shorts, tiny tank tops, and teeny-weeny bikinis. For me, summer fashion always seems to bring about a desire to eat healthier. Everyone knows that eating healthier means giving up all the good things in life: French fries, cookies, Venti Caramel Frappes with extra whip (…just to name a few). At least that’s what I thought until I walked into the new frozen yogurt chain in town, and my life was changed forever. Ten minutes and eight sample cups later, I had filled my container with soy-based, lactose-free Orange Dreamsicle, dumped what can only be referred to as a glut of fruit and chocolate on top, and proceeded to the register. What started as a simple craving for a fresh treat during the smoldering days of summer quickly turned into a full-fledged addiction.
I know I’m not the only one. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, it would be hard not to notice the frozen yogurt craze that is freezing over America. There has been a literal proliferation of frozen yogurt joints in Raleigh alone — fro-yo has become the new Starbucks. Maybe it’s the growing awareness of the health benefits of probiotic-filled yogurt or maybe it’s just a tasty treat, but franchised frozen yogurt joints are growing like wildfire, garnering a truly cult-like following of fro-yo fanatics.
It’s not like the concept is revolutionary — I’m sure everyone remembers the frozen yogurt shops of yesteryear (think TCBY). But somehow, all of a sudden, ‘frozen yogurt’ and ‘phenomenon’ are being used in the same sentence. Frozen yogurt shops have evolved into tasty wonderlands of delicious awesomeness with unique flavors like red velvet cake, banana nut muffin, cookies and cream — and the list of flavors goes on and on. The modern concept allows you to self-serve and choose from a plethora of toppings you never knew existed but unknowingly longed for. Cheesecake bites, for example. You mix and match all you want; paying by the ounce once you’ve created your own masterpiece. The best part: all the flavors are low- or non-fat, so the guilt associated with a heavy dessert is out of sight and out of mind.
Lately, I cannot go a day without thinking about frozen yogurt. I’ve now visited three different frozen yogurt places within the past week. I think it’s safe to say I might need an intervention. I guess I’m assuming, as with most trends, frozen yogurt will fall off the radar when something newer, cooler, and even more enticing emerges. So, I’m going to continue eating frozen yogurt like it’s going out of style — my wallet and waistline can thank me later.
