When the weather gets warmer, it seems only natural to reach for something cool and creamy. Unfortunately, many ice cream treats are loaded with fat and calories. Even if you prefer other summertime desserts, you may find yourself gaining a bit of weight, if you overindulge. Thankfully, you don't have to. Here are just a few tips on how to avoid overindulging in summer treats.
Practice Moderation
Moderation is the best advice for anyone trying to lose weight. The process of giving up all your favorite treats usually leads to binging. Instead of avoiding your favorite foods, enjoy them sparingly. For example, you might have one ice cream novelty while out shopping. This is perfectly fine and a great way to prevent overindulging.
Opt for Healthier Versions of Your Favorites
There's a healthier version of almost any food. For example, if you love ice cream, opt for fat-free frozen yogurt. If you love strawberry shortcake, make a lighter version using angel food cake, sliced strawberries and fat-free whipped cream. There are so many different ways to makeover your favorite summer treats.
Look for Other Ways to Keep Cool
Many people turn to ice cream to keep cool in the summer. Instead of reaching in the freezer for an ice cream, find another way to stay cool. You might take a cool shower, head to the pool, lay down in front of the fan with a good book or go play in the sprinkles with the kids. Regardless, look for other ways to stay cool besides eating.
Make Your Own Cool Summer Treats
One way to ensure you're eating healthier is to make your own treats. For example, you might purchase natural fat-free yogurt and freeze it for a summertime snack. You can also mix up smoothies and freeze them in Popsicle molds for smoothie pops. Get creative!
Don't Keep Sinful Treats in the House
Last, but not least, don't keep bad foods in the house. I now treat myself to ice cream once a week by going out for ice cream. This ensures that I don't overindulge by having ice cream every night. The same goes for any treat that you love. Keeping these foods on hand is just asking for trouble.
Summer treats can be loaded with fat and calories, but no one said you had to overindulge. Practice moderation, choose healthier versions, make your own summer treats and keep those high-fat desserts out of your freezer.
