5 Healthy Ice Cream Topping Ideas
Summer is the time for pool parties and barbeques, county fairs and lemonade. And there's no better way to cool off than with a classic ice cream treat. Even for those of us watching our waistlines, ice cream can be a healthy way to snack and beat the summer heat. Just be sure you choose a healthy ice cream, like the light varieties of Dreyer's/Edy's® Slow Churned Light Ice Cream, and top with satisfying, healthy toppings. Try these surprisingly healthy ice cream topping combinations for a fun, cool, and nutritious summer.
Antioxidants - Pomegranate Seeds and Dark Chocolate Chips
Pomegranate seeds and dark chocolate chips are both high in antioxidants which have been proven to fight disease and ward off cancer. Try these healthy, nutrition-packed toppings with ice cream for a taste sensation you'll be boasting about.
Glycemic Index - Apples and Peanuts
Watching your sugar level has never been so sweet! Dreyer's/Edy's® Slow Churned Light Ice Cream ice cream has only half the fat and one-third fewer calories than regular ice cream. Top it off with some diced apples (39 on the glycemic index scale) and peanuts (7 on the glycemic index scale) for a sweet sensation and crunch that won't send your sugar levels into overdrive.
Fiber - Almonds and Raspberries
We all know how important fiber is to our diet. It's recommended that women get 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should shoot for 30 to 38 grams. You can accept that challenge by topping off your ice cream with almonds (3.5 grams per ounce) and fresh summer raspberries (2 grams per ounce).
Vitamins and Minerals - Pineapple and Pumpkin Seed Kernels
Getting all your nutritional needs from your daily diet can sometimes be difficult. But revving up your ice cream with pineapple (22 percent daily value of Vitamin C per ounce) and pumpkin seed kernels (23 percent daily value of iron per ounce) can make it much easier. As an extra bonus, eating iron-rich foods at the same time as foods with lots of Vitamin C will better help your body absorb the iron.
Carbohydrates - Papaya and Macadamia Nuts
Even those of us watching our carbs have healthy ice cream topping choices. Try papaya (3 grams per ounce) and macadamia nuts (4 grams per ounce) for a guilt-free tropical taste sensation.
Summer and ice cream are a long-standing tradition that no longer needs to be avoided for the sake of nutrition. You can stay cool and healthy this summer with Dreyer's/Edy's® Slow Churned Light Ice Cream varieties topped with your favorite healthy summertime snacks.
Content by Cherri Megasko .
