As summer arrives, the fiery sun casts a blanket of heat over us. You and I are constantly on the move, seeking relief in the scorching climate.

Despite the intense heat, there’s a certain beauty to the relentless sun as it breathes life into the vibrant hues of summer. And when you savour that velvety ice cream, complementing the golden glory of the season, your soul truly enjoys the essence of warm weather.

We all know what ice cream is for us! But if you’re health-conscious, you might be wondering, “How can I enjoy my favourite summer treat without compromising my fitness?” Ease your mind, we have the answers. 

This blog will guide you on how to choose a healthier ice cream this scorching season.

Understanding What Makes Ice Cream Healthy

First, let’s understand what makes it “healthy.” The term “healthy” can be subjective and depends on individual dietary needs and preferences. However, generally, a healthier ice cream option would have less sugar, fewer artificial ingredients, and lower calorie content.

• Sugar Content: Many of them are high in sugar, which can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes if consumed in excess. Look for ones with lower sugar content or those sweetened with natural sugars like honey or fruit.
• Artificial Ingredients: Some contain artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives. While not all artificial ingredients are harmful, some have been linked to health issues. Opt for ice creams with fewer artificial ingredients and more natural ones.
• Calorie Content: They can be high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if eaten in large amounts. Look for frozen treats with lower calorie content per serving.

Reading the Nutrition Label

The nutrition label is your best friend when choosing a healthier ice cream. It provides information about the serving size, calories, fat content, sugar content, and ingredients. Here’s how to read it:

• Serving Size: This is the recommended amount of ice cream you should consume in one sitting. Be mindful of this as it’s easy to eat more than the serving size, especially with ice cream!
• Calories: This tells you how many calories are in one serving of the ice cream. If you’re watching your calorie intake, opt for chilled delights with lower calories per serving.
• Sugar: This tells you how much sugar is in one serving of the ice cream. The lower the sugar content, the better. Scan the ingredients list and watch out for sneaky names like high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, or evaporated cane juice-they all mean the same thing: added sugar.
• Fat content: Not all fats are created equal, but in ice cream, it contributes to that texture we all love. Plus, it keeps you feeling satisfied. Look for options with full-fat coconut milk, or nuts as the base – these are healthy fats your body can appreciate.
• Ingredients: The ingredients are listed in order of quantity, from highest to lowest. Look for ice creams where sugar is not one of the first few ingredients. Also, opt for ice creams with more natural ingredients and fewer artificial ones.
• Choosing natural flavours: Many brands offer natural flavours, which are derived from real food sources like fruits, spices, or dairy. For example, the vanilla flavour can come from real vanilla beans, and the strawberry flavour can come from real strawberries. 

Choosing ice creams with natural flavours will avoid potential health concerns associated with certain artificial flavours.

Practical Tips for a Healthier Ice Cream Experience:

Here are some practical tips to enjoy your cool confections more healthily:

• Portion Control: Stick to the serving size mentioned on the nutrition label.
• Add Fruits: Top your ice cream with fresh fruits. They not only add flavour but also provide additional nutrients.
• Choose Cone Over Cup: If you’re at an ice cream parlour, opt for a cone instead of a cup. Cones can help control portion sizes and add a satisfying crunch. Additionally, they are environmentally friendly.
• Make Your Own: Consider making your ice cream at home. This way, you can control the ingredients and their quantities. You can opt for healthier alternatives like honey instead of sugar, or almond milk instead of cream.

Also, homemade ice cream allows you to experiment with unique flavours and combinations that you won’t find in the store.

Unveiling the Health Benefits of Ice Cream and How to Maximise Them

We've established that healthy-ish ice cream exists, but did you know there might be some hidden health perks lurking within that frozen treat? Here's a scoop on some surprising benefits and how to make the most of them:

1. Post-Workout Pick-Me-Up: 

Exhausted after a tough workout? Believe it or not, ice cream can be a helpful recovery tool. The combination of carbohydrates and protein in some ice creams helps replenish glycogen stores and repair muscle tissue. 

While these creamy desserts can be a recovery tool, they should be consumed moderately and not right after a workout due to the sugar content.

Avoid it immediately before exercise. The sugar content can lead to a blood sugar spike and crash, leaving you feeling sluggish.

2. Gut Feeling Good: 

This might surprise you, but some ice creams can actually contribute to gut health! Look for options containing prebiotics, which are essentially food for the good bacteria in your gut. These good bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and immunity.

For a gut health boost, top your dairy delicacies with a sprinkle of prebiotic-rich berries like blueberries or raspberries. Want an extra dose of protein? Drizzle some almond butter or sprinkle some chopped nuts.

3. Bone Up on Calcium: 

We all know dairy is a good source of calcium, and ice cream is no exception. This vital mineral is essential for strong bones and teeth. Choose options with whole milk or yoghurt as a base to maximize calcium content.

4. Mood Magic: 

Let's face it, ice cream can simply make us happy! The act of indulging in a delicious treat triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. So, a scoop of these frosty indulgences can act as a natural mood booster on a stressful day.

So there you have it! Choosing a healthier ice cream doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste. With the right knowledge and choices, you can enjoy your favourite summer treat without guilt. Remember, balance is key. So go ahead, grab a scoop, and enjoy the sunshine!

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