Milly Gaines
There are a few diets that allow ice cream cones. The Ice Cream Diet, based on a book authored by Holly McCord in 2002, suggests that adding ice cream to your daily routine will help you lose weight. Dieters following this plan are also given low-fat, high-fiber meal plans and are told to eat more vegetables and fruit. However, it's important to note that this diet is a calorie-restricted diet, and any weight loss is likely due to the reduced calorie intake rather than the ice cream. While there is some evidence that consuming ice cream may be linked to certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes, these links are often influenced by other factors, such as overall diet quality. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains is generally recommended for maintaining good health, and occasional treats like ice cream can be enjoyed in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet type | Calorie-restricted |
| Suggested benefits | Weight loss, increased likelihood of sticking to the diet |
| Suggested risks | Nutrient deficiencies, negative health effects, weight gain after returning to a normal diet |
| Suggested food plan | Low fat, high fiber, more vegetables and fruits |
| Suggested ice cream serving temperature | Slightly warmer than freezing |
| Suggested serving size | One scoop at a time |
| Suggested serving vessel | Cone |
| Notes | Ice cream is considered an ultra-processed food, and may be linked to a higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver |
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What You'll Learn
The ice cream diet
In addition to ice cream, dieters on this plan are given low-fat, high-fiber meal plans and are told to eat more vegetables and fruit, which are all healthy suggestions. However, it's important to note that the weight loss associated with this diet comes down to caloric restriction and has little to do with any weight loss benefits associated with ice cream. A dramatic drop in calories can cause fluid loss, which creates the illusion of weight loss when looking at the scale but doesn't amount to much in terms of tangible change. The weight reduction is not permanent and dieters will likely gain the weight back when they return to their normal daily diets.
Furthermore, ice cream is high in saturated fat and sugar and should be treated as a once-in-a-while treat. Its high-calorie content leaves little room for nutrient-dense foods on a low-calorie diet, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. A healthy, well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains is often the healthiest way to go, and occasional treats like ice cream are okay when you eat an otherwise healthy diet.
While there has not been a lot of research on the specific effects of ice cream on health, one Italian study suggested that consuming more ice cream may be linked to a higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, ultra-processed foods, which include ice cream, have been linked to an increased risk of developing both type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease due to their high content of calories, fat, and sugar.
In conclusion, while the ice cream diet may be tempting for those who love this frozen treat, it is likely not a sustainable or healthy way to lose weight. A well-balanced diet that includes treats in moderation is generally a much safer and more effective approach.
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Ice cream and heart disease
While ice cream is a tasty treat, it is high in saturated fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. A single cup of vanilla ice cream can contain 273 calories, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 14.5 grams of fat, and 28 grams of sugar. This high-calorie content can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet, as it leaves little room for nutrient-dense foods.
The high fat and sugar content of ice cream can lead to increased levels of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, which can result in a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the chances of heart disease and stroke. As such, ice cream is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
However, some studies have suggested that eating ice cream may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. One study found that those who ate ice cream no more than twice a week were 12% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who didn't eat ice cream at all. Another study suggested that consuming ice cream and dairy fat is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than consuming animal fat or refined carbohydrates in people with Type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that these studies are observational and cannot prove a causal relationship between ice cream consumption and reduced risk of heart disease. Other factors, such as overall diet and lifestyle, may also play a role.
In conclusion, while ice cream can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it should not be considered a health food. Consuming ice cream in moderation as part of an otherwise healthy diet is key to maintaining heart health.
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Ice cream is an ultra-processed food
Ice cream is a frozen dessert that is typically made from dairy products, sugar, and flavourings. While it is a tasty treat, ice cream is considered an ultra-processed food (UPF) due to the various additives and high amounts of sugar.
Ultra-processed foods are defined as foods that have been altered from their natural state with chemical additives, artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. These additives can include emulsifiers and modified starches, which have been shown to disrupt the normal regulation of appetite, leading to overconsumption. In addition, the presence of these additives is often an indicator that the food matrix has been compromised, essentially pre-chewing the food for the consumer.
A study from the BMJ (British Medical Journal) found that 57% of the average UK diet is made up of UPFs, with this number jumping to 80% for those on lower incomes. Furthermore, the study found that greater consumption of UPFs was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, particularly cardiometabolic and common mental disorders, and increased mortality.
Despite the negative health impacts of UPFs, some people argue that UPFs in moderation are acceptable and that the dangers are overblown for otherwise healthy individuals. For example, the Ice Cream Diet suggests that adding ice cream to a daily routine can lead to weight loss. However, dietitian Jo Bartell clarifies that this diet is a calorie-restricted one, and any weight loss is due to the reduced calorie intake rather than the inclusion of ice cream.
In conclusion, while ice cream may be a tasty treat, its classification as an ultra-processed food means that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy and well-balanced diet.
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Tips for enjoying an ice cream cone
While ice cream is a tasty treat, it is important to remember that it is high in saturated fat and sugar and should be consumed in moderation. If you are craving an ice cream cone, there are a few things you can do to maximise your enjoyment.
Firstly, consider the temperature of your ice cream. While ice cream is best served cold, if it is too cold, the flavour will be compromised. Slightly melted ice cream allows you to better perceive the flavour profile without compromising the mouthfeel.
Secondly, it is recommended to eat one scoop at a time to avoid overwhelming your tongue and fully savour the taste. If you are eating straight from a tub, consider using a spoon to avoid getting ice cream all over your hands. However, if you are eating from a cone, it is best to lick the ice cream to fully enjoy the experience.
If you are making an ice cream cone at home, you can prevent drips by stuffing a miniature marshmallow into the bottom of the cone before adding the ice cream. You can also "paint" the inside of the cone with melted chocolate to prevent leaks and keep the cone crispy.
Finally, if you are looking for a fun twist on the classic ice cream cone, you can try making ice cream nachos, Choco Tacos, or an ice cream sandwich with cookies.
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Ice cream cones vs. cups
There are several factors to consider when choosing between an ice cream cone and a cup. Firstly, the ice cream eating experience is different between the two. Ice cream cones are typically licked, which can be seen as a more sensual and enjoyable way of eating ice cream compared to using a spoon. Cones also allow for a continual stream of eating, whereas cups can be put down and left for later.
The shape of the ice cream in a cone can impact the taste experience. As ice cream in a cone is shaped differently from that in a cup, toppings grace much more of the ice cream in a cup, enhancing the flavour profile. However, ice cream in a cone is more vulnerable to melting, which can cause the toppings to slide off.
Cones are also more portable and can be eaten with one hand, making them ideal for walking around and enjoying your ice cream on a hot summer day. Cups, on the other hand, usually require two hands and are more suitable for sitting down and enjoying your ice cream at a leisurely pace.
Another consideration is the environmental impact. Cones are generally more eco-friendly than cups, especially if the cups are made of plastic or paper, as they can end up in landfills. However, cups can be recycled or reused, reducing their environmental impact.
Lastly, there is the value proposition. Cones offer more food as they are edible, whereas cups are discarded after the ice cream is eaten. This makes cones a more economical choice, especially if you consider the additional cost of a "waffle cone" in some places.
In conclusion, both ice cream cones and cups have their advantages and disadvantages. Cones offer a more sensual and portable experience, while cups provide convenience and the ability to enjoy toppings and flavours more effectively. Ultimately, the choice between a cone and a cup comes down to personal preference, and one may choose to enjoy their ice cream in whichever way they prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
The ice cream diet is based on a book authored by Holly McCord in 2002. The premise is simple: add ice cream to your daily routine and you’ll lose weight. However, this diet has little to do with any weight loss benefits associated with ice cream. Dietitian Jo Bartell explains that it is a calorie-restricted diet, and that any time people follow a calorie-restricted diet and eat fewer calories than they burn throughout the day, they lose weight.
Eating only ice cream is never healthy. Consuming large amounts of ice cream while on a calorie-restricted diet carries much more risk than does a little extra weight. A dramatic drop in calories can cause fluid loss, which creates the illusion of weight loss. The weight reduction is not permanent and dieters will gain weight again when they return to their normal daily diets. Ice cream is also considered an ultra-processed food, which means that it is typically very high in calories, fat, and sugar.
According to a 2018 doctoral thesis, people with type 2 diabetes who consumed more ice cream had lower risks of heart disease. However, it is important to note that this link only became apparent when other aspects of a person’s health, including how healthily they ate, were taken into account. This suggests that eating an overall healthy diet is perhaps the most important factor in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
