Are you curious to learn about whether or not ice cream is fattening? This is quite a common question and due to the popularity of such a tasty treat, it pays to take a closer look. This article will delve into several relevant topics. How healthy is ice cream? Does this food contribute to belly fat? How often should you eat ice cream? Are there any other alternatives to keep in mind if you still need to satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s jump right in.
Does Ice Cream Increase Belly Fat?
Many individuals are plagued with stubborn belly fat and they may often attribute this condition to the consumption of ice cream. However, this is only partially true. Is ice cream fattening? This heavily depends upon the ingredients. Many traditional types of ice cream contain massive amounts of sugar and fat in the form of carbohydrates. If these are not metabolized, they will often be stored as cutaneous or subcutaneous fat. For example, here is a breakdown of ice cream calories when comparing normal ice cream and a low-fat blend:
- Traditional ice cream: 140 calories.
- Low-fat: 130 calories.
While this might not appear to be a profound difference, we need to remember that one average serving of low-fat ice cream contains 2.5 grams of fat while normal ice cream may be laden with as much as seven grams. The amount of cholesterol is likewise higher in a traditional formulation. So, whether or not ice cream is healthy will partially depend on the ingredients themselves.
The Lactose Variable
A recent study has observed that nearly half of all adults may suffer from some degree of lactose intolerance. This is quite important, as one of the main ingredients within a standard serving of ice cream is milk. Milk contains lactose and therefore, some individuals could regularly suffer from digestive issues such as cramping and bloating.
Furthermore, lactose intolerance can decrease the efficiency of your digestive system. This makes it much easier to gain weight when compared to those who do not suffer from any type of metabolic issues. It is therefore clear that those who have already been diagnosed with lactose intolerance should abstain from eating ice cream too frequently.
Is Custard More Fattening Than Ice Cream?
Are you a fan of custard? You might be surprised to learn that most types of custard actually contain fewer calories than an equivalent serving of ice cream. However, custard is also likely to contain slightly more fat. While the exact proportions differ between brands, custard could very well represent a somewhat healthier alternative.
What Alternatives Can You Enjoy?
The good news is that there are plenty of tasty alternatives to ice cream that will leave you feeling satisfied. Sherbet and frozen yogurt are two prime examples. These contain fewer calories and substantially less fat. Furthermore, they will often contain more vitamins and minerals due to the addition of fresh fruits. Sherbet is a particularly wise option if you happen to suffer from lactose intolerance, as milk is not an ingredient.
To be absolutely clear, there is nothing wrong with indulging your taste buds on occasion with a bowl of ice cream. You might otherwise begin to suffer from “diet fatigue” and lack the motivation required to lose weight. In the event that you have already been enjoying the benefits of the Spatz3 gastric balloon, ice cream can be a nice treat from time to time.
Still, everything should be taken in moderation and this is just as true when discussing how to keep your sweet tooth in check. Is ice cream fattening? This ultimately depends on the brand, how much is consumed and your overall lifestyle.
