Ice cream is a popular snack during the summer. It is perfect for cooling off in the heat, but since it contains high levels of sugar and fat, efforts are needed to eat it healthily.
Check the ingredient list
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 flavorings, cellulose checks, carrageenan, or carboxymethyl cellulose. Food additives can quickly raise blood sugar levels and tend to have higher calorie and fat content, which is not good for health. ▲Milk ▲Vanilla beans ▲Cocoa ▲Cream, etc., should be made from real ingredients.
It is also advisable to check the manufacturing date of the ice cream. Ice cream that has been produced more than two years ago may be contaminated with listeria bacteria and other food poisoning bacteria during distribution. Listeria bacteria can survive even below -18°C, and infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea and fever. Additionally, it is best to avoid ice cream that has a torn package, has lost its seal, has frost on the surface, or has deformed shape, as these conditions pose a risk of bacterial growth.
Maintain your diet and consume snacks.
When consuming ice cream, it should be eaten as a snack in moderation, in accordance with a balanced diet. Nutritionist Chris Moore from Louisville, USA, said, "The key to consuming ice cream is moderation and balance," and "By occasionally enjoying a single serving of ice cream as a treat while maintaining healthy eating habits, you can reduce cravings for sweets and help achieve your dietary goals." However, it should not be consumed in more than one serving. Ice cream has a high fat content, which can lead to excessive calorie intake if eaten freely. When concerned about calorie intake, it is better to choose soft ice cream over hard ice cream. Soft ice cream contains more air than hard ice cream and includes additional ingredients for texture, resulting in a lower calorie density per volume.
Add healthy toppings and enjoy
If possible, it is good to add healthy toppings when eating ice cream. Adding healthy toppings such as almonds, oats, chia seeds, and fruits to store-bought ice cream can increase fiber and protein intake while maintaining a feeling of fullness for a longer time. It can also prevent rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.
