Ice cream is the go-to treat for cooling down in the summer, but it’s usually seen as a diet buster. Surprisingly, some ice creams are now designed to help with weight loss! These lighter options are lower in calories, sugar, and fat and often packed with protein and fiber to keep you full longer. So this summer, you can enjoy your favorite frozen dessert without feeling guilty, mixing fun and fitness into every bite.
We checked in with Dr. Varsha Khatri, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) at Prowise Healthcare, and Andrew White, an NASM-certified personal trainer and the owner of garagegympro, to learn about three ice creams you can eat and still lose weight this summer. They revealed that Greek yogurt ice cream, sorbet, and coconut milk ice cream are the ones to try this season. Read on to find out more.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Coconut milk ice cream is a tasty, dairy-free option that's great for weight loss. It's made from creamy coconut milk, which has fewer calories and healthier fats than regular ice cream. These fats, called MCTs, can help boost your metabolism and provide quick energy. Plus, coconut milk ice cream usually skips the artificial ingredients and refined sugars, making it a cleaner choice.
"The difference between coconut milk ice cream and other types of ice cream is that it is dairy-free and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) instead of long-chained fats, thereby promoting weight loss. Coconut milk ice cream is perfect for lactose intolerant individuals who prefer plant-based diets. In addition, this product has MCTs in it, which boost metabolism, ensuring fat burning, and are therefore suitable as a weight reduction supplement," Khatri notes.
Greek yogurt ice creams
Greek yogurt ice cream is a fantastic option for those looking to indulge while maintaining their weight-loss goals. This creamy treat retains the benefits of traditional Greek yogurt, including its high protein content, which helps keep you full longer and supports muscle maintenance. It's also lower in fat and calories compared to regular ice cream and often contains probiotics that aid digestion.
White says that "ice cream made with Greek yogurt is lower in fat and calories and higher in protein, which can be more satisfying. The protein content helps slow digestion, reduce cravings, and help you feel full longer."
Sorbet
Made primarily from fruit puree and water, sorbet is naturally lower in calories and fat compared to traditional ice cream. It’s often free of dairy, making it a great choice for those with lactose intolerance or those looking to reduce their fat intake. Additionally, the high fruit content provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
For creaminess, incorporate a bit of coconut milk, almond milk, or yogurt to give the sorbet a creamier texture without significantly increasing the fat content. Blending in ripe bananas or avocados can add creaminess due to their natural texture and healthy fats. These ingredients will also add a slight sweetness and nutritional benefits.
"While not [normally] a creamy option, sorbet is a lower-fat alternative that can satisfy your sweet tooth without the added fat calories found in traditional ice cream. Opt for sorbets made with natural fruit for an added nutritional benefit," White says.
