It's August, so who isn't screaming for ice cream! However, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy something cool and creamy, without extra fat and sugar?
According to SFGate.com, “Ice cream is made by churning and chilling a mixture containing high-fat milk or cream, fructose- or glucose-based sweeteners, usually in the form of corn syrup, and flavorings such as vanilla or chocolate.”
Its Italian cousin gelato may be a bit healthier with less fat as it is made with milk not cream. “Gelato is more creamy and dense than ice cream and is often lower in calories, fat and sugar,” explains SFGate.com
So how about the distant relative and alternative to ice cream, frozen yogurt? Just how is that made? SFGate.com says,“Instead it is made with cultured milk such as yogurt though probiotics do not survive the freezing temperatures.”
If you need to eat dairy- or gluten-free, you can do what I do. I like to use almond or coconut milk to make some of my homemade ice cream. If you don’t have the time, there are many products on the market which are available.
One such brand is So Delicious. The company, primarily know for their coconut concoctions, says this about the health benefits of tropical specialty.
“Coconut represents a vegetarian-sourced saturated fat consisting of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Scientists have long recognized MCFAs such as lauric and capric acid for their anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. The body utilizes MCFAs as energy instead of storing them as fat.”
I like to mock my frozen treats and come up with some healthier protein-packed alternatives.
BANANA ALMOND FREEZE
• 2 Frozen Banana
• 1 Cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 Cups of ice cubes
• 2 Scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.
Freeze in airtight container for one hour.
(Makes Two Servings)
VANILLA COFFEE FROZEN CREAM
• ½ cup of brewed coffee, cold
• Dash of cinnamon
• 1 Cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 Cups of ice cubes
• 2 Scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
• 2 Packets of Stevia powder
Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.
Freeze in airtight container for one hour.
(Makes Two Servings)
LIME ICEE
• 4 Limes juiced
• 1 Small kiwi peeled
• ½ Cup of water
• 2 Cups of ice cubes
• 2 Packets of Stevia powder
Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth.
Freeze in airtight container for one hour.
(Makes Two Servings)
LEMON GELATO
* 1 Packet instant, sugar-free vanilla gelatin
* 1 Cup cold water
* 1 Cup boiling water
* 2 Scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
* 2 Tablespoons of light whipped topping
* 1 Packet of Splenda or Stevia powder
Mix gelatin according to package directions. Wait until set.
Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Sources:
“Healthy Eating – SFGate.com.” SF Gate. Web 6 Aug. 2013.
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/advantages-disadvantages-ice-cream-human-health-2858.html
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrition-gelato-compared-ice-cream-2157.html
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrition-frozen-yogurt-vs-ice-cream-1525.html
“Why Coconuts – SoDeliciousDairyFree.com.” So Delicious. Web 6 Aug. 2013.
http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/why-coconuts
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed August 8, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith