[mistur.e]

I just recently lost 50lbs thanks to a year-long trip around the world. I quit my job and went backpacking with my wife through Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. When I left I was 280lbs and now I am down to 230lbs. I feel great and I have more energy than ever before. My goal is to lose another 50lbs. The weight flew off when I was on the road. I was constantly moving my body because I didn't have a car to take me where I wanted to go. Also, the portion sizes in America are massive compared to most other countries. So I ate less and exercised more.

With that said, now that I am home, losing weight has proved more difficult. I am not counting calories per se but I am aware of how much I eat and what the calorie content is. I am seeking out healthy options for pretty much everything I crave. I also have an extremely mature sweet tooth (probably how I got to be 280lbs) and I need to satiate my cravings with yummy supplements - hard to do when you love chocolate ice cream.

My question: Does any have any suggestions for healthy ice cream alternatives? I want to be able to live a normal life while also being extremely cautious about what i put in my mouth. Thanks all!

[Who?]

You don't say anything about your blood sugar levels. Are you diabetic? If so, you may have to make some changes, if not, perhaps fewer changes will be necessary.

You may even have to evaluate which is more important, satisfying your "cravings" or keeping your health.

Your choice.

[xMenace]

IMO ice cream is one of the better sweet foods. Cut down frequency and portion size, and don't add too many condiments too often. It's your day-to-day diet that's most important, not your snack attacks.

[princesslinda]

From your initial post, I see that you aren't diabetic yet. If you have a family history, what you do now can certainly minimize your risks of developing type 2, or put it off longer. I'd encourage you to continue with your weight loss and healthier eating.

That being said, if you're eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise, there's no reason why you can't have the occasional serving of ice cream or other things you enjoy, IN MODERATION...Now, i'm not talking a pint at a time (been there done that myself in the past), but there's no reason you can't occasionally indulge in something you enjoy. Just don't let it become a daily habit.

I think if you continue to lose weight and keep exercising, you should do just fine. I'd also suggest you continue having an annual physical and getting the appropriate blood tests drawn, so you'll know if your blood sugars start creeping upwards.

[pdxdennisj]

Safeway's Count'n Carbs or Bryers lo carb ice cream work for me.

[dar917]

Make it yourself, at least then you don't have all the preservatives and garbage from overprocessing. I'm sure you could cut down the sugar in whatever recipe you would use or maybe even use Splenda.

[tanyatype1]

It's not ice cream but you might like to try freezing some sugar free pudding, or freezing your favourite yogourt

[Who?]

Originally Posted by princesslinda

From your initial post, I see that you aren't diabetic yet.

I must have missed where the original post says that. Where is the statement that the poster isn't diabetic?

[princesslinda]

Originally Posted by Who?

I must have missed where the original post says that. Where is the statement that the poster isn't diabetic?

When i'm not sure what type someone is, i'll go and check out their intro thread if they have one. Here's his:

http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/...ewbie-too.html

[Who?]

Thanks, I wasn't smart enough to do that.

[princesslinda]

Originally Posted by Who?

Thanks, I wasn't smart enough to do that.

It took ME over a year to realize I could do this...so don't feel bad!

[mistur.e]

Hey there. Thank you all for your amazing feedback on this issue. I am not currently diagnosed as diabetic but my family is prone and I am overweight.

As for ice cream, I recognize I need to eat as little as this as possible. But I did find an alternative that could be the "find of the century!"

My friend is lactose intolerant and told me about Laloo' Goat Milk Ice Cream (www.laloos.com). It is made from, taa daa!, goat's milk. it has half the fat, half the calories and it doesn't lose any of the taste. It also doesn't make me sick. Just wanted to let you all know that I found the ice cream I was looking for.

[Evermont]

Well, I'm not sure if this works for you but...

Vermont's finest - Ben and Jerry's has a new line of "Lighten Up" low fat frozen yogurts. I switched from Cherry Garcia ice cream to the Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt - 1/4 the calories and 1/4 the fat. Tastes identical. I'm just sayin'.

Vermont RULES!

enjoy.

[Alice]

For me, I just try to enjoy the taste of something...then stop after a couple of bites. That's what I do with ice cream, gelato (yum, caramel!) etc. I don't care for the chaulky taste of low-fat, artificicially sweetened icecreams. So everynow and then, (not a big ice cream eater) I just have about 3 slow bites.

There was a local chain of ice cream stands in my old Chicago area. They sold "baby cones" which I would purchase while my husband had the "jumbo" cone. I still bolused for the baby-cone, but it was a reasonable serving.

You are right...Americans eat too large of servings of everything. If we ate like old-school europeans, then we'd all be better off. Walking is great in Europe...congratulations on your weight loss!

[Jill-O]

I really like some of the Edys No Sugar Added flavors. In addition to having less sugar, it also has a lot less fat than "regular" icecream but is VERY good.