One of the pleasures of summer is being able to cool off with an icy treat. However, before biting into your next ice cream, take the time to evaluate it!
My kids love ice cream. Antoine and Aurélie love chocolate and Émile, vanilla. They always say “yes” to popsicles, even when the temperature is around -30 degrees Celsius! Last summer, they also discovered frozen yogurt. So you will guess that I have heard many times: "Mom I want more"! However, is there a frozen dessert that is he althier than another?
Ice Cream
Real ice cream must contain at least 10% milk fat according to the Food and Drug Regulations. On the packaging, it says "ice cream" and not "frozen dessert". “Premium” ice creams contain less air which makes their texture firmer. Also, their ingredient list starts with CREAM and MILK and is much shorter because the manufacturer does not need to add stabilizers and emulsifiers to achieve the desired texture. Finally, in real ice creams and especially "high-end" ice creams, since there are morefat and less air, there are usually more calories… Children need energy, fat and calcium, you say? Know that 125 ml (1/2 cup) of certain ice creams can meet up to 80% of the saturated fat needs for a 4-year-old child (which is a lot for such a small amount of ice cream) and only 10% its calcium needs (which is very low for the large amount of fat and calories). So ice cream is a food to be taken in moderation!
Frozen yogurt
Frozen yogurt generally contains much more sugar and less calcium and protein than “regular” yogurt, which does not work in its favor. Also, it is good to know that the good bacteria found in yogurts are sensitive to temperature variations. Knowing this, frozen yogurt makers cannot guarantee he alth benefits, but they can still advertise on the packaging that their frozen yogurt contains good bacteria! In summary, frozen yogurt is not the “he althy” equivalent of regular yogurt. Frozen yogurt is still lower in fat than ice cream, but it is just as sweet, if not more so. The calorie count is equivalent to low-end ice cream or frozen dairy desserts. Regarding the amount of calcium, it varies greatly from one product to another. The choice is between ice cream and frozen yogurt.
For a really he althy version, the "yogurthomemade frozen yogurts are less sweet, higher in protein and higher in calcium than frozen yogurts bought at the grocery store. And, it's easy! In a food processor, purée: 125 ml (1/2 cup) of "regular or Greek" plain yogurt, add 375 ml (1 ½ cups) of frozen fruit of your choice and a little (or none) of sugar or maple syrup depending on the frozen fruit you have chosen. Enjoy immediately or freeze to make popsicles.
Ice Pops
Popsicles are all about water, sugar, artificial colors and flavors! Those that claim to be “made with real juice” are often disappointing. The ingredient list and Nutrition Facts table often reveal that there is more water than juice and more sugar than fruit! A homemade popsicle made from 100% pure fruit juice, full of vitamin C and energy, is still the best solution. But did you know that we can offer… too much? In fact, a high intake of juice often comes at the expense of milk and water. Also, taken in excessive quantities, the juice provides too much energy and not enough dietary fiber. Finally, the maximum recommended daily amount of juice is 125 ml (1/2 cup), the equivalent of a serving of fruit. It is therefore best to limit the amount of fruit juice, even 100% pure, in the form of popsicles. A he althy solution: offer fruits that have been previously frozen in the freezer (ex.:grape quarters and pieces of honeydew melon) or a hint of watermelon slipped on a stick! A fruit purée can also be frozen: a mixture of strawberries and mango, for example, would be very tasty.
What do you think of all this?
Homemade versions of frozen desserts are definitely the most nutritious. “Premium” frozen desserts are often more filling and satisfying than versions high in air, sugar and coloring. Either way, frozen desserts are foods to be eaten in moderation. Choose the one you like the most and take the time to savor it!
The "pref" of the writing of Mom for life for the summer of 2021
PC PC Blueberry Yuzu Citrus Sorbet is an unexpected flavor combination. Taste each of the flavors separately to appreciate their uniqueness, then happily mix them together. Surprisingly, they seem made for each other. It's no surprise that this sorbet is also exceptional in a frozen lemonade.
