Nowadays it seems that there is a new frozen yogurt place opening on every corner. Whether it is Red Mango, CUPS, TCBY, Pinkberry, or Let's YO, these establishments offer countless flavors and toppings. Whereas frozen yogurt, in most instances, can prove to be a healthier alternative to ice cream, you can easily "undo" the healthiness of it by piling on certain toppings and falling into the "pitfalls" of these self serve place.
Here are some "tips" to keep this frozen treat on the healthier side:
- Choose wisely. Most, if not all of these establishments will offer non-fat, sugar-free, reduced-fat versions of the frozen treat. Skip the full-fat varieties. Some of them are not any better than ice cream in disguise....
- Portion Distortion. One of the "tricks" that these places do is offer one size cup that is very large, which they are hoping we will fill to the brim as the cup may look "too empty" to our eyes with an appropriate portion. Stick to 1 cup or less...
- Watch Your Toppings. One of the "draws" to these establishments is the countless toppings you can pile on your yogurt ranging from fresh fruit, sugared cereal, crumbled candy bars, and any colored sprinkle known to man. While we may be tempted to be generous with the toppings, keep in mind that all of these toppings add calories, sugar, and in some cases added fat.
Here are just a few examples of toppings along with their calorie information (based on a 1/2 oz portion):
- Fresh Strawberries: 5 kcals
- Fresh Pineapple: 5 kcals
- Fresh Mango: 6 kcals
- Low Fat Granola: 24 kcals
- Mochi: 37 kcals
- Carob Chips: 40 kcals
- Walnuts: 45 kcals
- Cheesecake Bites: 46 kcals
- Dark Chocolate Chips: 50 kcals
- Rainbow Sprinkles: 60 kcals
- Brownie Bites: 63 kcals
- Cookie Dough Pieces: 68 kcals
- Coconut: 73 kcals
- Reese's Pieces: 74 kcals
- Heath Bar Pieces: 75 kcals
- Yogurt Chips: 75 kcals
- Crushed Oreos: 71 kcals
- Peanut Brittle: 100 kcals
