Indulging in sweet treats and desserts is a worldwide tradition that many of us savor. It almost feels as if no meal is complete if we don’t top it off with something sugary. However, the reality is that these sweet cravings are doing our health no good, and health experts are highlighting a specific dessert that may be wreaking havoc on your waistlines. They caution us against the consumption of this unhealthy dessert, pointing out its negative effects on weight management and overall wellbeing. In this article, we dissect the cause behind this warning and also look for healthier alternatives that can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
We spoke to Dr. Rene Armenta, surgeon at Renew Bariatrics, and Daniel Castillo, nutritionist and founder of Bokeyfit.com, to uncover the truth behind one unhealthy dessert. Armenta and Castillo told us that ice cream is the one dessert we should stop eating asap due to its effect on our waistlines and healthier alternatives to try instead. Read on to find out more.
Downsides Of Ice Cream
Whether you are young or old, ice cream is a comforting treat for everyone. They can provide instant gratification, be a celebratory element during social events and gatherings that bring people together, and even be there for you when you are alone and stressed, as many people turn to ice cream to create positive emotions within. However, like other sweets, ice cream releases endorphins in your brain, which create feelings of pleasure. These feelings will eventually turn into a lot of pounds on your body if consumed regularly.
Armenta says, "This is the worst dessert for your waistline because of its high sugar and fat content. Most commercial ice cream is made with full-fat milk and cream, as well as added sugar or corn syrup. Some variants also include chunks of chocolate or other sugary toppings. All of this contributes to a higher calorie count and can end up leading to weight gain, particularly around the waistline."
It's not just the ice cream itself; sometimes they add additional toppings such as syrup, whipped cream, and cookies, which add extra calories to the dessert. Our waist is the first part of our body that accumulates fat. Not only is it the most fat, but it's also the most difficult to get rid of. This is why it's even more important to minimize our ice cream intake.
Healthier Alternatives
Although it's difficult to cut down on ice cream, especially during the summer when you are really craving it, there are plenty of tasty alternatives you can incorporate instead to not only satisfy your cravings but also your health and waistline. Castillo gives us a few of his recommendations that we start eating instead of ice cream with additives and high sugars. "For frozen yogurt, choose low-fat or Greek yogurt with natural sweeteners and top it with fresh fruit for added flavor. Fruit sorbet: opt for sorbet made with real fruit and no added sugars or artificial ingredients. Dark chocolate: enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) to satisfy your sweet tooth with antioxidants and less sugar," Castillo suggests. You can always pair your ice cream with various fruits and see which flavors you like, so you can balance out your sweet treat and also have some additional nutritional value.
Overall, this creamy and delicious dessert that's loved by many can contribute to your expanding waistline and weight gain in general. Of course, everything can be consumed in moderation; one serving of ice cream here and there will not cause detrimental effects on your health, but over time, if consumed regularly, it could put you at risk for issues such as diabetes, weight gain, and cardiovascular diseases. You can still satisfy your cravings with healthier options; as Castillo concludes, "Remember, moderation is key when indulging in desserts. Treat yourself occasionally while focusing on a balanced diet and regular exercise for a healthy lifestyle."
