Did you know that every third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day? Back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan wanted to commemorate this sweet treat that over 90% of Americans enjoy so he decreed National Ice Cream Day to be observed every third Sunday in July. On average Americans eats 48 pints of ice cream per year with vanilla and chocolate remaining the two most popular flavors.
Can ice cream fit into a healthy meal plan?
Here are the nutrition facts for 100 grams (~3/4 cup) of ice cream – keep in mind different flavors may vary a little in their nutrition content:
| ¾ Cup Ice Cream | |
| NUTRIENT | AMOUNT |
| Calories | 207 |
| Fat | 3.5 grams (g) |
| Carbohydrate | 24 g |
| Calcium | 126 milligrams (mg) |
| Potassium | 65 mg |
| Phosphorus | 105 mg |
| Sodium | 77 mg |
When you know the facts, it is easier to see how ice cream CAN fit into any healthy meal plan – even diabetics and those wanting to lose weight can enjoy this sweet treat every now and then. It is all about balance.
Enjoying Ice Cream with a Healthy Balanced Diet
Diabetics know this tasty frozen treat will need to be enjoyed with a balanced meal and not on its own, but they will also notice that ¾ cup of ice cream is almost two servings of carbohydrates so they will adjust their carbohydrate choices in that meal.
Those trying to lose weight can also imbibe occasionally. The funny thing when we are trying to lose weight is we think we can’t have so many delicious foods, when the reality is we can! It truly is about balance and portion sizes. Easier said than done sometimes, but when we give ourselves permission to enjoy a favorite food we take back the power over that food and we can control portion sizes much better. In other words, you will be satisfied with ¾ cup of ice cream or even less.
Let’s face it, the weather is getting hot and there’s no better way to celebrate summertime than a trip to your favorite local ice cream shop.
Here are a few tips to help keep your ice cream fun in balance with your healthy meal plan:
- Skip the cone. Enjoy your frozen treat in a dish to avoid the extra calories of a cone.
- Order the smallest size.
- Choose fresh fruit toppings if you enjoy additions.
- Select your favorite flavor and savor every bite!
If you are interested in learning more about healthy eating, consider making an appointment with Plessen Healthcare’s Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Colleen Cooke.
In your first one-hour appointment, you can expect to discuss health and nutrition history, set goals, and schedule a follow-up appointment if needed. Providing advanced lab work is helpful.
Referrals are not necessary to book an appointment, however, services may be covered by insurance for diagnoses such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease. Plessen Healthcare accepts Medicare, MAP, most insurance and offers affordable self-pay rates.
To book an appointment please call 340-249-1065or email myhealth@plessenhealthcare.com
At Plessen Healthcare, our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. We work to improve clinical outcomes through educating, empowering, and guiding every individual on their health care journey and providing an experience that improves the quality of life and well-being. We call this the “Plessen Way”. Sign Up for Plessen News & Healthcare Tips