Light ice cream can have fewer calories than regular, but there is no guarantee. Take Haagen-Dazs de Leche light ice cream: with 220 calories per 1/2 cup serving, it's still higher in calories than the average full-fat ice cream, which has around 140 calories per serving. What's more, some light ice creams can lack the rich taste you crave, so you're less satisfied and may be inclined to eat more than one serving.
Smarter Substitute: Dairy-free ice cream Soy and coconut milk ice creams may save you a few calories, and they have a creamy, satisfying texture.
Health Bonus: Digestion-friendly fiber Some dairy-free ice creams are made with chicory root, a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can increase healthy bacteria in the gut and help the body absorb calcium and iron.
Try: Turtle Mountain Purely Decadent One serving (1/2 cup) of vanilla has 150 calories, 7 g saturated fat, 6 g fiber. It's made with coconut milk, but studies show that the saturated fat in coconut may not raise cholesterol like the saturated fat in butter and meat.
4. Diet Soda
In a 2008 study, researchers linked drinking just one diet soda a day with metabolic syndrome - the collection of symptoms including belly fat that puts you at high risk of heart disease. Researchers aren't sure if it's an ingredient in diet soda or the drinkers' eating habits that cause the association.
Smarter Substitute: Flavored seltzer water
It has zero calories and is free of artificial sweeteners, but provides fizz and flavor. Beware of clear sparkling beverages that look like seltzer, but contain artificial sweeteners; they are no better than diet soda. You can also try a sparkling juice; we recommend watering it down with seltzer to stretch your calories even further.
Health Bonus: Hydration (without chemicals)
Water is essential for nearly every body process.
Try: Your grocery store's low-cost seltzer brand
The taste is the same as the bigger name brands, and it costs a lot less.
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