Is Your Fro Yo Actually Healthy?

With Dallas enduring one of the hottest summers on record, what is a better way for a collegiette™ to cool off while satisfying a hankering for a sweet treat other than some Fro Yo. Hey, it’s supposed to be healthy too right? Not so fast.
 
There is nothing wrong with indulging in a frozen treat, but if you get a little to lever happy in front of the self serve station, you could have a cup that has as many calories as a pint of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s. There is a plethora of places a collegiette™ can go to satisfy her craving for Fro Yo (I Heart Yogurt, Yogurtland, Yummilicious, Pinkberry), because lets face it, we all have them. Here are some guidelines to follow to make sure your Fro Yo indulgence doesn’t leave you tipping the scales.
 
Limit Your Toppings
I know, I know. What is a cup of frozen yogurt without the crushed up Butterfinger bits or gooey gummy worms? But the little additions you add on top of your creamy treat add up fast. Just an ounce of Peanut Butter Cups has 150 calories, 10g of fat, and 13g of sugar. Gummy Bears add 90 calories, 24 carbohydrates, and 14g of sugar. Mini M&M’s tack on 140 calories, 7g of fat, and 18g of sugar.  Instead of the sugar laden treats, instead opt for the fresh fruit, especially berries because they have the lowest calories and grams of sugar.
 
Eat in Moderation
It is hard to not get a little carried away when the cup is in your hand and the flavor options seem limitless. Just remember moderation. Keep in mind that each ounce of yogurt has anywhere from 80-130 calories and averaging about 25 carbohydrates and 18g of sugar. And while the tasty treat does have a good amount of vitamin C, remember that the calories add up with the ounces.
 
Choose Flavors Wisely
With the multitude of options that self-serve frozen yogurt places offer you, it is easy to find the fat free or no sugar added options. Stick to those and you will effortlessly eat less calories and still have the full flavor. If you want to have one that is not fat-free, just ask the cashier for a sample cup. That way, you can still have a try of your favorite flavor without the full calories. Be careful of the sample cups though! Remember, those calories count too.
 
By no means should you cut frozen yogurt out of your diet. It is a good treat to indulge in without having the calories of a Sprinkles cupcake. There are many benefits to the fro yo, such as probiotics and live active cultures which strengthen your immune system. Just remember the simple tips above and you can enjoy your favorite dessert without worrying about your waistline.