Enjoy Ice Cream Healthfully

Don’t scream! You can still enjoy ice cream even when you’re trying to eat healthfully. What would a hot summer be without an occasional scoop of dripping, yummy ice cream? Heck, what would frigid cold winters be without some occasional ice cream treats? There’s a reason this delicious treat is a favorite for many people, and there’s no reason to deny yourself.

Nutritionist Joy Bauer shares some tips for enjoying ice cream healthfully in this Today video. There are a lot of options in the frozen desserts aisle and, like most foods, some choices are better than others. Ice cream, by definition, contains at least 10 percent milk fat, but many brands go way above and beyond in the fat department. Bauer recommends looking for light ice creams with no more than 130 calories, no more than 3 grams of saturated fat and no more than 16 grams  of sugar. Just look for light ice creams — there are plenty of delicious varieties and flavors to try!

Portion control is also important. Ice cream is an occasional treat and Bauer reminds us that a serving is no more than a 1/2 cup. Try using a smaller dish so you aren’t tempted to go overboard. And, if you feel the need for a little more, increase the size of your dessert by adding fresh fruit. One of my favorites is to dice mango and kiwi and serve it over vanilla bean ice cream … yum!