The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.114).

TZU CHI 114 59 Ng Hui Ling A nutritionist with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and a Master’s degree in Sports Science, who served at the Singapore Heart Foundation before becoming self-employed, providing dietary consultations to vegetarians and writing a nutrition column for a health magazine. of frozen yoghurt is revealed to be relatively lower than that of ice-cream. Hence, females with weight-loss concerns tend to opt for frozen yoghurt for their dessert fix. But is frozen yoghurt truly a healthier alternative? This is a question I have frequently been consulted on. Beware the calorie trap The nutritional composition of the ingredients used in preparing frozen yoghurt determines the overall calorie and fat content of the end product. For instance, the higher the fat content and amount of added sugars contained in the milk used in producing frozen yoghurt, the higher the resulting calorie and fat content. Every frozen yoghurt parlour is bound to have a vibrant array of condiments on display, rangingfromcrushedcookies, rainbow-coloured sweets and chocolate chips to chocolate syrup and gummy candies in assorted colours. The total sugar and calorie content of a serving of frozen yoghurt will inevitably increase – but not its nutritional value – when condiments with high sugar and calorie content are piled onto it. Most consumers often overlook the fact that the trap lies in the lure of additional condiments, which contribute to a higher calorie count. Indeed, pairing frozen yoghurt with fresh fruits, such as blueberries and mangoes, boosts its nutritional value to a certain extent. But I have observed that the meagre portion of strawberries spooned onto my order of frozen yoghurt fails to justify the price, the equivalent of which I would rather pay for a whole mango. A majority of consumers seem to be inclined towards larger portions of frozen yoghurt. This is perhaps due to the perception that bulk purchases are more economical, or the belief that frozen yoghurt is a healthier alternative to ice-cream. Conversely, smaller portions are ideal for females who are cutting down on calories for weight loss. In terms of condiment choices, adding fruits provide an extra dose of dietary fibre, while a sprinkling of nuts enhances protein intake. Frozen yoghurt had never been a part of my childhood. Even now, it will never take the place of the ais kacang I knew as a child – served with kidney beans and corn kernels, no less. On the occasional trip back to my hometown, I would spare time for a bowl – or sometimes two – of old-school ais kacang . As I quietly basked in the nostalgic taste from my childhood, an inexplicable feeling of satisfaction and bliss swelled within me. For the time being, any concerns of nutritional value would be stowed away in the back of my mind – nothing else mattered except savouring every mouthful as if it were the last.