Weight Loss News

It’s the end of summer. The weather is cooling down and some ice cream can cool off your busy weekend. I love to spend some time on a Sunday night (before the busy work week begins) and indulge in a little late evening treat. Sometimes I make my own ice cream creation, and other times I turn to one of my favorite Ice Cream chains – Cold Stone Creamery.

You might be thinking that I’m off my rocker! How is it possible to stick to your weight loss plan AND indulge in an ice cream dessert? Easy – make the better choice when you order. We’ve talked about resisting temptation before and rewarding yourself for a job well done. Take these philosophies to heart and indulge from time to time. When you reach a goal or milestone – celebrate it. You’re more likely to stick to your overall weight loss plan that way.

So, ease into your workweek or celebrate a milestone with a Sunday evening treat with your family, friends or significant other. Enjoy your cold ice creamy delight while catching up on the weekend’s events, plans for the week ahead or just to enjoy the sunset. Take some time out for yourself and allow me help you choose wisely when ordering.

Here’s the real scoop: your rule of thumb is always to savor and enjoy, but don’t overdo it. When ordering at Cold Stone always order the smallest size, which they call the “Like It.” This allows you to enjoy the flavor without consuming extra calories. The smallest size is just enough to cool you down and relax your taste buds.

Cold Stone isn’t your regular ice cream parlor. While you can walk in and get a regular ice cream cone, the big idea is to try one of their custom creations, which are prepared with handpicked mix-ins folded into your ice cream on a frozen granite stone (hence the name). The idea is that you can mix and mingle any ingredient that they have into the base ice cream flavor. These extra toppings can make or break your calorie total, so my suggestion would be to avoid the cookie and chocolate bar toppings because they can add 100-200 calories to your Sunday delight. Instead opt for the Nilla Wafers and Yellow Cake. Fruits and nuts, of course, are always a recommended topper.

So when ordering, consider these choices first (all in the “like it” portion size)

1. Tart and Tangy Yogurt topped with Yellow Cake and Blueberries (or any berry of your choice): only 230 calories!
2. Cake Batter Ice Cream (no toppings): 340 calories with fresh berries add about 20 more calories
3. Banana Ice Cream (no toppings): 310 calories with yellow cake add about 80 calories

Pass on these choices at all costs (all in the “like it” portion size):

1. Lotta Caramel Latte Milkshake: 1,320 calories at over 60 grams of fat!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream (no toppings): 410 calories
3. Blueberry Muffin Ice Cream (no toppings): 530 calories