Ice cream is a popular summer snack. It is perfect for cooling down in the sweltering heat, but due to its high sugar and fat content, an effort is needed to consume it healthily.
When purchasing ice cream, it is advisable to carefully check the ingredient list. It is recommended to choose products that do not contain food additives such as artificial flavors, cellulose gum, carrageenan, and carboxymethylcellulose. Food additives are unhealthy because they cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and have higher calorie and fat content. You should choose products made with real ingredients such as milk, vanilla beans, cocoa, and cream.
It is advisable to also check the manufacturing date of the ice cream. This is because ice cream manufactured more than two years ago can become contaminated with food poisoning bacteria, including Listeria, during the distribution process. Listeria is a bacterium that can survive even at temperatures below -18 degrees Celsius, and infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and fever. In addition, ice cream with torn packaging, deflated air, frost on the surface, or deformed shapes should also be avoided as much as possible, as they pose a risk of bacterial growth.
Maintain a healthy diet and consume as a snack
When consuming ice cream, it should be eaten as a snack in moderation as part of a balanced daily diet. Chris More, a nutritionist in Louisville, USA, stated, "The key to eating ice cream is moderation and balance." He added, "Enjoying one scoop as an occasional snack while maintaining healthy eating habits helps reduce cravings for sweets and helps stick to dietary goals." However, you should not consume more than one scoop. Ice cream is high in fat, so eating too much can lead to excessive calorie intake. If you are concerned about calorie intake, it is better to choose soft serve ice cream over hard serve. Soft serve ice cream contains more air than hard serve and includes additional ingredients for texture, resulting in a lower calorie density per volume.
Add healthy toppings to eat
If possible, it is recommended to add healthy toppings when eating ice cream. Adding healthy toppings such as almonds, oats, chia seeds, and fruit to store-bought ice cream provides additional fiber and protein nutrients while helping you feel full for longer. It can also help prevent rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
