Ice cream is delicious, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s not exactly the healthiest food for you to eat. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to make ice cream a bit more healthy for your body while you enjoy the sweet treat. Use one of the ideas below, or feel free to add your own.
10. Add Fruit
Pretty simple, right? Chop up some strawberries, slice a banana, or halve a peach and top with your favorite cool churned goodness. To make it even more healthy, use the ice cream more as a garnish or topping than the main dish and go heavier with the fruit.
9. Go Vegan
Many vegan ice creams are less fattening and healthier to eat than regular ice cream. Just be sure to check the labels before you buy—or make your own.
8. Say Yes to Fro Yo
If you’ve never had frozen yogurt before, you’re in for a treat. I know plenty of people who have avoided it like the plague, thinking that it has the same sour taste of regular yogurt. Not so! In fact, you can’t really even tell the difference—except that, in my experience, frozen yogurt is often smoother—and, of course, lower in fat.
7. Get a Popsicle Fix
When I crave ice cream, I’ll often reach for a low-calorie Fudgesicle or Popsicle. It’s enough to satisfy my craving while not adding in too many calories.
6. Skip the Toppings
Adding a bunch of chocolate syrup, nuts, caramel sauce or other toppings are just going to add more calories to your ice cream. If you must have a topping, go easy with it—or consider a lower-calorie alternative. For example, when I want a bit of chocolate flavor, I’ve always added a tiny sprinkle of Ovaltine—something my dad taught me to do as a kid. It has less junk and more goodness in it than regular chocolate sauce or even powdered chocolate mix.
5. Go for the Sorbet or Sherbet
Mmmm, lemon sorbet! I’m a fan of raspberry and orange as well. If you’ve never tried a sorbet or sherbet, which are generally healthier and less fattening than ice cream, you simply must.
4. Make Fruit Pops
My daughter is a huge fan of making ice pops out of fruit juice. Just take your favorite fruit juice, mix equal parts of it with water, and pour it into an ice cube tray. Set it in the freezer for a few hours and voila—your own healthy ice pops! They’re great with grapes inside, too. These yummy treats are also great in drinks.
3. Buy Frozen Fruit Treats
Frozen treats with a fruit base are also available in stores. Just make sure to get the kinds without too much sugar added or you’re not getting the benefit.
2. Trick Yourself
Use a small bowl or small spoon to make your serving look larger.
1. Make Your Own
Then you know exactly what’s going into your dessert! There are plenty of healthy ice cream recipes online to use.
