Fanny Baillancourt, a dietitian nutritionist, believes that the ideal time to enjoy ice cream depends on the nature of the meal. “If you have had a meal heavy in starches, adding more carbohydrates with a dessert like ice cream, even if it’s a sorbet, is unnecessary. However, if your lunch was light, consisting mainly of a salad with few starches and some protein, indulging in a small amount won’t significantly disrupt the meal’s overall balance,” she explains.
Thus, should you save ice cream for a snack if you’ve had a substantial meal? “If you ended your lunch with a fruit, saving a little room for ice cream in the afternoon is perfectly fine,” confirms Baillancourt.
Ice Cream After Meal? Beware of the Glycemic Spike!
However, consuming this dessert right after a meal can prevent a major glycemic spike, similar to any other sweet dessert. At this time, carbohydrates mix with the rest of the food in your stomach, which includes fibers, proteins, and fats, helping to smooth out and stabilize blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, eating sugar by itself between meals can cause a significant glycemic peak, followed by a drop in blood sugar. “People prone to diabetes should beware: a mid-afternoon hyperglycemic peak can be hazardous to their health,” she warns.
Recommendations from the Dietitian
Whether you choose to have it after a meal or as a snack, what type should you choose? “Whether it’s sorbet or ice cream, you’re looking at about 20-25 grams of sugar per 100 grams of the product,” notes Baillancourt. These are highly sugared products. “It’s up to everyone to decide what’s best for them!”
Regarding frequency, it’s best not to consume daily. “Ice cream can replace other essential foods typically consumed as desserts, like yogurt or fruits. It’s advisable to limit ice cream consumption to a maximum of once every three days during summer vacation, which is about twice a week,” she advises.
For those looking to maintain or lose weight, Baillancourt suggests limiting ice cream to just once a week. “This way, the caloric intake is spread over the other six days, which won’t lead to a significant deviation.”
The rest of the time, prioritize fruits! “Consider a nectarine, for instance,” she advises, “which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. These are incredible health assets, and such seasonal fruits are available only for a short period, so don’t miss out on them.”
**Le Meilleur Moment pour Manger une Glace selon une Diététicienne**
This article first appeared on topsante.com – Author: Anne-Florence Salvetti Lionne
