Oh That Wonderful Alluring Ice Cream So Easy To Eat In Few Bites
This humorous piece by Ellie Scott lists 32 uproarious yet surprisingly insightful life lessons learned after turning age 32. After perusing the list and lol-ing at each item, I am drawn most to lesson number 13:
“It might feel like a win to take down a full pint of Ben & Jerry’s Caramel Chew Chew within just 15 minutes in the middle of winter, but it is absolutely not a win and almost definitely a symptom of mental health problems.”
Well, I can certainly relate. In fact, I’ll be quick to point out that Scott is far from alone. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is super delicious, appealing, and irresistable in any flavor! Although a pint of the treat is packed with sugars, fats, and other ingredients(just one pint of Ben & Jerry’s Milk & Cookies is 1130 calories with 225 mg of cholesterol), it is truly a little slice of paradise. And think about it, one pint really is not that much — like a small carton of milk. So with the alluring ingredients and stimulated neurons, you are undoubtedly going to scrape through most of that carton before your brain and body even register how loaded the treat actually was.
Definitely such a quick consumption can turn sour very quickly. But enjoying treats like this (even quickly) once in awhile is actually quite healthy. Eating for pleasure can help boost mental and emotional health and connect with others. The problem is if you turn solely to those special treats to deal with emotional or mental turmoil. These foods do not treat low moods or bad days, and can actually make things worse. A way around this is to work to mix the pleasure food with long-term nourishment. Take a few bites of the Ben & Jerry’s as you dive into a good book or sing along to a favorite song. If the weather permits, walk to the store to buy the treat and start to enjoy a few bites on your way home. This way, your body can process the food and your brain register you are full. Then you have plenty for seconds or thirds.
An interesting fact here is that Ben & Jerry’s strives to mix their pleasure product with long-term nourishment and human betterment. The company even produces a podcast titled Into the Mix which focuses on positive health and social issues. If you are ever in Vermont, also make sure to sign up for their factory tour that will most definitely help you burn off those quickly consumed calories from the delicious treat. This is certainly on my list of must-see places to visit one day! I’m not writing this article as an advertisement for the amazing product(which just happens to also be one of my favorite brands of one of my all-time favorite foods). But while I was on the subject I thought I’d throw a little bit out there!
I’d have to recommend the Strawberry Cheesecake flavor myself! If you ever want to have a couple of slices of cheesecake mixed in with the delicious soothing cream and extra strawberries.
But again, I’m not advertising.
