How to Pick Healthier Ice Cream

Ice Cream

Before I am going to tell you what ice creams are the best to buy lets talk about the basics first.

The different types of ice cream:

• Frozen Yogurt
• Gelato
• Ice Cream
• Ice Milk
• Italian Ice
• Sherbet
• Slow Churned (Double Churned) Ice Cream
• Soft Serve
• Sorbet

Nutrition Facts:

• You know that ice cream contains calcium, but instead of getting your calcium from ice cream it is best to get it from another food source. For example, ice cream contains half the amount of calcium than milk, which is also lower in fat content. So getting your source of calcium from Ben and Jerry’s or Blue Bell is not that great of a choice simply because they can pack more fat than in a fast food hamburger!
• Some light varieties of ice cream actually contain artificial sweeteners. While this can reduce calories, it may also cause stomach aches when eaten in high quantities.
• Did you know that premium ice creams actually pack more calories in each serving because they contain less air? They are denser and harder to scoop than regular brands. In general, regular ice cream has about 140 calories and 6 grams per 1/2 cup serving. Low fat or light ice creams weigh in at about half the fat of premium brands. But remember, they still have their fair share of calories due in part of the extra sugar added so that they taste good.
• You probably already know that toppings add extra calories with no nutritional content at all. Instead of sprinkles or chocolate chips, opt for vitamin-packed fruit puree (not fruit “syrup”), fresh fruit, or nuts. Yes, chocolate does provide health benefits, but most chocolate chips and syrups are usually full of fillers with very little actual chocolate.
• If you are lactose intolerant or you do not eat animal based products, you still have choices of non-dairy frozen desserts such as soy, coconut, or “rice” cream.” These choices cut the saturated fat, which is a plus, but they can still derive around 50% of their calories from fat. This is usually done by adding oils to the product for smoothness.

Okay, now that you know the basics, lets cut to the chase!

Full Post: Ice Cream

Original Website: Celebrity News