NORMAN — When it is hot outside, there is nothing better than something nice and cold to cool you off. Ice cream is often the go-to cold treat. However, watch the calories in your ice cream as they can vary from 90 to 300 calories per half cup.
The United States is the ice cream capital of the world and on average we consume 23 quarts of ice cream per person per year. If you are watching calories, it’s important to read the label.
Healthy ice cream choices might include:
· Nonfat or fat-free ice cream is true to its label and contains barely any fat. Vegetable gums are normally added to make them creamy and they are often made in soft serve machines to whip in additional air and ice crystals. Most contain 90 to 100 calories per half cup.
· Low-fat ice cream contains less than 3 grams of fat per half-cup but the calories vary. Fat grams are regulated, but calories can vary greatly among brands depending on the amount of sugar used.
· Light ice creams mean the product has half the fat or one-third the calories found in the brand’s regular version.
· Premium, grand or old-fashioned ice creams generally mean anything but low fat. Calories per half cup serving range from 150 to 300 calories. Regular ice cream contains around 140 calories and 7 grams of fat per half cup.
· Frozen yogurt is often considered healthier, but some frozen yogurt can contain as much fat, sugar and calories as some ice creams. Some flavors can have around 145 calories per half cup.
· Nondairy frozen desserts are good choices for those who cannot tolerate milk protein or lactose. Depending on the variety they can be low or high in fat.
Remember to consider serving size when scooping up ice cream. The serving size on the label is only one-half cup. If you eat one cup then you’ve doubled the fat and calories listed on the label.
