Satisfy Your Summer Sweet Tooth

Admit it; as much as you want to eat a healthful, wholesome diet, there are times when you really need to satisfy your sweet tooth. To many of us, summer means ice cream, popsicles and cold drinks.  
 
Ice cream is made from milk so it must be good for you, right? Not always, especially if you are a fan of premium brands and popular toppings. Try these tips to balance out the treat.

• Many sundaes, cones and bowls of ice cream have hundreds (or thousands) of calories. Eat just one scoop, or even a child’s size, and savor it slowly.
• Save more than 100 calories when you nibble on a sugar cone instead of a waffle cone -- or order a cup.
• Try light or low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbets. Most taste as rich as the full-fat varieties.
• Don’t overfill a large cup at self-serve shops with frozen yogurt (which can be high in fat) and toppings; ask for a smaller bowl, aim for a serving the size of a tennis ball and go easy on the toppings.
• Just an ounce of granola, candy pieces or hot fudge sauce can add more than 100 calories. Fruit or nut toppings add calories but at least they are nutritious.

 
Popsicles come in a variety of fun shapes and colors, but most are simply water and sugar.

• Frozen fruit bars are a better option because you’re getting vitamins along with your sweet fix. Buy them or make your own with 100 percent juice.
• Create flavorful pops by combining drinks, such as pineapple juice and coconut milk or orange juice and vanilla soy milk.
• Fruit and nonfat milk or yogurt smoothies also can be poured into popsicle molds and frozen.
• Sometimes fruit itself can be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth; try frozen grapes, or cubes of banana or mangoes.

 
Beverages are a great way to cool off and avoid dehydration, but limit sugar-sweetened soda, sweet tea, coffee drinks, cocktails and other empty-calorie drinks.

• If margaritas and mojitos are your thing, make them with a low calorie mixer and dilute with sparkling water. If you are out, ask for a low-calorie version or a smaller serving; I’m a big fan of a local Mexican restaurant’s mini margaritas – just my size. 
• Soda, sweet tea and lemonade have 12-20 teaspoons of sugar in just one serving! Choose sugar free or unsweetened varieties, or dilute with sparking water.
• Iced coffee is a great treat when it’s just coffee, but cream, whole milk, sugar and flavored syrups can make it more like a rich dessert. Try nonfat milk and sugar-free flavoring, cocoa powder or cinnamon.
• Beverages don’t usually lesson your appetite so consider sipping on water with lemon wedges or mint leaves, saving your calories for more satisfying food.

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As seen in the Fort Collins Coloradoan
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