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Here’s The Scoop on Frozen Desserts

Delicious rewards for runners putting in the kilometres.

 

Frozen treats, from fruit and veggie bars to full-fat ice cream, have a place in a runner’s freezer. Just don’t eat the whole tub – not even the lower-fat versions, which generally have more added sugar. Save the more indulgent frozen treats for heavy training days or on occasion.

 

Fruit and Veggie Bars

These make for a refreshing treat before a hot run, with few kilojoules and less sugar. For an extra healthy kick, look for those made with beet juice, which has been shown to improve running performance.

 

FROZEN YOGHURT

Frozen yoghurts are often lower in kilojoules than regular ice cream and offer slightly more protein and calcium for healthy muscles and bones. Try brands with made with real fruit and no added sugar. As for yoghurt’s highly touted probiotic benefits: depending on the brand and how it’s made, it’s not guaranteed that these good bacteria are still alive (and thus beneficial) after they’ve been frozen. Bummer.

 

NONDAIRY FROZEN DESSERTS

For a creamy treat that’s dairy-free (and often soy- and gluten-free), try coconut-milk ice “cream”. One serving has approximately 836 kilojoules and 10-15g of fat with most of this being saturated, thanks to coconut milk’s medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). Studies have shown that MCTs could be used as fuel, but coconut products can still raises total and LDL cholesterol so enjoy this on occasion. Another dairy-free option is fruit-based sorbet, which is much lower in kilojoules but higher in natural sugars.

 

GELATO

This Italian dessert contains less fat than ice cream but typically more sugar. An average serving of dairy-based gelato has 1000 kilojoules and 10 to 15 per cent of your daily calcium recommendation.

 

FULL-FAT ICE CREAM

The real deal is at least 10 per cent butterfat (and 100 per cent taste). Ice cream contains roughly 1000 kilojoules per average serve, with approximately four grams of saturated fat (even more for the “everything but the” flavours). But fat makes you feel full and helps your body absorb certain nutrients. And according to some recent research, saturated fat from dairy based foods will not increase your risk for heart disease. Plus, it just tastes better. When you’re having a treat, do it right!

 

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