Ice cream for breakfast?

Dear icecreamlover,

There's nothing wrong with eating ice cream for breakfast! No one food is "right" or "wrong" when it comes to meals, but you may find that some help you start off your day feeling more energized than others. Even though ice cream is considered to be a delicious treat, it's not usually a meal most people start their day with. And while this fun snack does contain a lot of calcium, which your body needs for healthy bones and other critical functions, it also contains high doses of sugar and fat. Like other breakfasts with high amounts of sugar and fat, this can cause your body to produce more insulin in order to accommodate the sugar influx, which can ultimately lead to you experiencing an energy crash and leaving you hungry soon after you eat breakfast. So, this is why you may find that ice cream may be part of a balanced diet, but eating it alone for breakfast may not give you the fuel that you need to keep you going throughout the day. However, for many, one of the most key things you can do in the morning is to try to eat something within the first two hours after waking up. This will help get your metabolism going and refuel your body after not eating for several hours.

If you're choosing ice cream first thing in the morning because you love that it's sweet, creamy, and cold, you may want to try some low-fat yogurt instead. It's like ice cream in the sense that it still provides you with ample amounts of calcium, but it's not as high in fat, calories, or sugar. If you don't mind warming up your breakfast, you could also try oatmeal sweetened with a touch of brown sugar, cinnamon, or honey. Furthermore, making the oatmeal with milk instead of water can help you feel full longer and provide essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Additionally, you could stir in some chopped up fruit into your oatmeal to add some more flavor! If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, other options may include switching to granola with fruit and yogurt, toast with jam or fruit spreads, or lightly sweetened cereal with milk.

Overall, if you're still craving ice cream in the morning, combining these foods with the occasional morning bowl will help to ensure that you're eating a balanced diet overall. Of course, eating a diet balanced in nutrients throughout the day is also key, so eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy can help ensure your body gets what it needs. If you're looking for more information about breakfast, Why eat breakfast? is packed with information about the benefits of breakfast and some meal choices. For more tips on healthy eating, check out the related Q&As and our Go Ask Alice! Q&As on Nutrition and Food Choice.

Bon appétit!