The hot weather we have been experiencing recently makes it really difficult to stay away from the neighbourhood ice cream shop or frozen dessert section of the local grocery store. The good news is that among all the full-fat ice cream varieties available, you can now find a delicious selection of low fat, fat-free, and ‘no sugar added’ items. There are also frozen yogurts, sorbets and soy-based products to consider.
The trick is to choose wisely. Utilize the Nutrition Facts table on the containers to your best advantage in order to beat the heat while watching your waistline and keeping your heart healthy. Here are some tips from Alyssa Rolnick, a registered dietitian:
- Pay attention to the serving listed on the container. For example, a serving of ice cream is typically 125 ml. (one half cup). This is the equivalent of 2 ice cream scoops the size of golf balls, not tennis balls or baseballs.
- Check the saturated fats. The frozen desserts that contain primarily cream and plenty of “chunky” treats also usually contain a high percentage of saturated fat that can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Avoid the brands with as much as 10 grams of saturated fat per serving and select a treat with only 2.5 grams per serving. Sorbets, sherbets and frozen yogurt are usually excellent low-fat options.
- Keep an eye on the calories. Even if your frozen dessert choice is low fat, it may contain as many as 200 calories per half cup due to the high sugar content. This is another reason to pay close attention to the serving size and avoid all the “chunky” bits of chocolate, cookie, and candy. Not only is weight gain an issue, excess weight can negatively affect your heart health.
- Look for minerals and vitamins in your choice of frozen treats. There are several varieties of delectable desserts that contain protein, calcium, and vitamins A or C.
- Eat out wisely. It is very difficult to control portion size, toppings and whipped cream when ordering a frozen dessert in a restaurant or fast food place. The calories and saturated fats can push the scale into the ‘red zone’ at a great rate of speed. Ask your server to hold the sprinkles, whipped cream, syrups, and other sugary options.
So there you have it – how to have your frozen treat and eat it too! And now, because Sesame Street is a modern day learning ‘institution’, here is some good advice from the show: Bert and Ernie are sitting outside one day. Bert turns to Ernie and asks, “Hey Ernie, wanna go get some ice cream?” Ernie replies, “Sure Bert.”
CCSH Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the CrossRoads to Care complex in the Bay View Mall in Belleville. If you are a member of the agency you are welcome to attend. Please call Lana at 613-969-0130 in order to reserve a seat at the meeting.
Information in this column is compiled by Shell-Lee Wert- Executive Director of CCSH, 470 Dundas Street East, Unit 63, Belleville, K8N 1G1. Please visit our website at https://www.ccsh.ca, or email me at shell-leew@www.ccsh.ca or check out our CCSH Facebook page, or call 613-969-0130 or 613-396-6591 for information and assistance. CCSH is a proud United Way member agency. Funding in part from the South East Local Health Integration Network