Many people love Frozen yogurt for its nutritive and healthy advantage over the popular ice cream. It’s creamy, comes in a variety of flavors and usually has less fat.
But when you’re expecting, it’s not just about watching your waistline but ensuring the food you eat is suitable and safe for your child. This article explores whether this is really safe for you at this time, if yes, how you can safely enjoy it with your baby.
Is Frozen Yogurt Safe During Pregnancy?
We consider it a perfect treat for pregnant women. It is typically pasteurized, which means it’s treated to kill bad bacteria that accompany milk and cream. This makes it safe for expectant mamas to enjoy.
It brings a heap of probiotics, which can support a healthy digestive system. There are calcium and proteins in the mix, too, both known for their significant role in supporting your baby’s growth.
However, it’s crucial to be cautious of soft-serve frozen yogurts, mainly because of the possibility of listeria contamination. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy, even though it’s rare. These bacteria go great guns in environments found in soft-serve machines, especially when they aren’t well maintained.
Your best bet to satisfying that craving with this treat is to always, and I repeat, always opt for products that are visibly labeled as “made with pasteurized ingredients”
Store-bought, commercially-made frozen yogurt that comes pre-packaged should always be picked over soft-serve options from machines. Let me give you all the hints to safely chow down this treat while pregnant.
Safe Tips To Eat Frozen Yogurt During Pregnancy
Bradley David Allen, MD, indicates: “Frozen yogurt can both be a yummy treat and the way to get some of the good nutrients you need”. But like with everything during this special time, minding your p’s and q’s is key. Here are some simple and safe tips to keep in mind:
Check for pasteurization
When pregnant and craving something chilled, make sure that it’s made with pasteurized cream and milk. This means it has been heated to kill all the possible germs that might travel along with it. It’s a big deal because at this period your body is more open to getting sick from food, yup!
Some germs like listeria, E colli and salmonella can be naughty with your baby and even you. They could cause serious problems, FR. But if your foods are pasteurized, chances of these getting in it is a lot lower.
So, how do you know your frozen yogurt is pasteurized? When at the store, look at the yogurt container. It should say “pasteurized” somewhere on the label. If you’re at a yogurt shop, you could just ask the person working there if they use pasteurized stuff. They should know, and they can tell you.
It can be a lil bit tricky with soft-serve yogurt because at times the machines they come out of aren’t as clean as they should be. This can make it easier for germs to get in your food.
So, we recommend that you skip the soft-serve and go for the frozen yogurt in containers at the store, at least for these delicate times. This way, you can check the label and be sure.
Pick Low-sugar options
Lots of frozen yogurts are packed with added sugar, and eating too much sugar isn’t the best idea during pregnancy. Here’s why picking a low-sugar option is smart, and how you can do it.
First off, too much sugar can lead to weight gain. When you’re expecting, you’re supposed to gain some weight, but it’s healthiest to keep it in the right range. Eating foods high in added sugars makes controlling this harder.
Also, having lots of sugar can increase your chances of getting gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. And it can make delivery a tad difficult and might affect the baby, too.
So, choosing one with less sugar can help prevent these issues. But how can you do that? Go ahead and read the nutrition labels on the yogurt containers here, too. Look for ‘sugars’. It’s measured in grams, lower numbers are what you are looking for.
Not all frozen yogurts make it easy to spot their sugar content, especially at yogurt bars or when added to desert menus. Here, you can ask the staff for the nutritional information. At times, they have the fact sheet or can simply tell you which options have low sugar content.
Remember, just because it’s yogurt doesn’t automatically mean it has low sugar content. Some types have as much sugar as ice cream or even more, so it’s your responsibility to choose carefully..
Watch Your Toppings
Those little extras on your yogurt might not always be the best on your health and the baby. So what’s the big deal? Well, sometimes they can add up extra sugar, calories and unhealthy fats which aren’t ideal at this time.
A few toppings like fresh fruits, nuts or even granola might not be good if they’re not handled well or stored the right way because they could carry bacteria.
The trick is going for the good stuff. Think about adding things like fresh fruit that you wash yourself at home or sliced up right in the yogurt shop to make sure it’s clean. Nuts are also a great choice, but just check that they’re fresh and from a good source.
Try to skip the candies and cookie bits. These just pile up extra sugars and calories. If you’d like a little extra sweetness then maybe a drizzle of honey or some sprinkles should be fine. Remember, even these treats add up, so use them lightly.
Include it in a Balanced Diet.
Just like any treat, the key is to enjoy it in moderation and not replace the nutritious foods your body and growing baby need. Think of frozen yogurt as a guest star on the show of your daily meals, not the main character.
The main stars should be the nutritous foods that pack the fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins which in turn, give you the vitamins, minerals and energy needed for a healthy journey.
So, how can you add frozen yogurt to your diet? It’s all about timing and balance. If you’ve eaten a lot of healthy foods throughout the day, a small serving can be a nice treat. It’s sort of like rewarding yourself for making good food choices.
But, remember to read the labels or ask at the shop about what’s in your frozen yogurt. Some kinds can have a lot of added sugar or artificial ingredients that aren’t great for everyday eating. Going for the versions with real ingredients and less sugar is a good move.
Adding your own healthy toppings can make your frozen yogurt even better. Throw on some fresh fruits or sprinkle nuts to boost the nutrition to make it super balanced.
Listen to your body
It’s a good idea to listen to your body as you do. Your body can give you clues about what it needs and how it’s handling the foods you eat, including frozen yogurt.
Some pregnant women notice they feel really great when they eat certain things, while other foods might not sit well. If you find that it makes you queasy, uneasy or not quite right, it’s your body’s way of saying, “hey, this isn’t for you now!” This way, you should give it a pause button and talk to your doctor.
On the other hand, If you’re really wanting it and it makes you feel good, thank your stars, you can go ahead to have some, just don’t binge on it.
Pregnancy is a time when it’s more important than ever to pay attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel. If you’re unsure of which foods to go for, then talking to a doctor or dietitian could be helpful. They can advise based on your condition.
Benefits of Eating Frozen Yogurt During Pregnancy
I highlighted a couple of benefits you stand to get from chipping in small amounts of frozen yogurt into your pregnancy diet. Here’s a handful more benefits this dessert can offer:
- It’s creamy and comforting: You probably finding yourself desiring something nice and creamy to snack on. And this can fill that craving, providing a smooth and consoling texture that can remedy your nausea.
- It contains calcium: This treat is made out of yogurt, a dairy product that contains calcium. Calcium fortifies your baby’s bones and teeth and also plays a major role in the better functioning of your nerves and muscles.
- It contains Probiotics: Most brands include probiotics, which are good bacteria that support your gi tract. They can be particularly great at this time as they can boost digestion and put a stop to your constipation.
- Lower in fat: Most frozen yogurt brands I have encountered are pretty low in fat compared to ice cream-like desserts. So, going with it can be a way to enjoy sweets without the added fats.
- Variable in Flavor: They come in various flavours and are so versatile as it can be topped with various options like fruits, nuts and seeds. This not only make it tasty, but allows you to boost the nutritional value of your treat.
What yogurt can you not eat when pregnant?
When you’re pregnant, there are some types of yogurt you should stay away from to keep you and your baby safe. Avoid any yogurt that is made from unpasteurized milk because it might have a harmful bacteria called listeria.
PubMed points out clearly that this bacteria can cause health issues such as miscarriage or stillbirth. Also, try to skip yogurts that have a lot of sugar and refined grains, since these aren’t the best for your health during pregnancy.
It’s also a good idea to watch out for full-fat yogurts. Full-fat dairy products have a lot of saturated fat, which isn’t great for your heart and might make you gain too much weight while you’re pregnant.
Here’s how you can remember it: pick pasteurized and low-fat yogurt choices, and keep an eye on the sugar. If you ever feel unsure about which yogurt is safe to eat, it’s always best to ask your doctor.
Can You Eat Frozen Yogurt While Pregnant?
Frozen yogurt can really that that delicious treat you need to satisfy those cravings while you’re pregnant. It can offer one or two benefits for both you and the baby.
However, make sure you’re savoring only on ones made of pasteurized milk to keep you safe. It’s also fantastic to choose options that just bits of sugar and fat. Don’t binge on it overall, and feel free to chat your doctor if you have questions about eating this or any other treat during this journey.
