Pregnant And Craving Halo Top? Is It Safe?

is halo top safe during pregnancy

Pregnancy cravings can be intense, and ice cream is a popular choice for many. Halo Top is a low-calorie ice cream that has gained popularity, but is it safe for pregnant women to consume? Some people question the safety of certain ingredients, such as whey protein, but there is no evidence that whey protein is unsafe for pregnant women. It is always important to be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider or midwife when making dietary choices during pregnancy, especially when dealing with anxiety or dietary restrictions.

Characteristics Values
Safe to eat during pregnancy Yes
Safe ingredients Pasteurized eggs, not raw

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Halo Top contains pasteurized eggs

Halo Top is a healthier version of ice cream, with a fifth of the calories, a sixth of the fat, and a thirteenth of the sugar of generic brands. It also has 25% more protein.

Eggs are listed as the third ingredient in Halo Top, after milk and cream. Eggs can carry salmonella, which is the leading cause of food poisoning in the United States. Cooking kills salmonella, but recipes like eggnog, carbonara, and Caesar salad dressing call for uncooked eggs. Even when preparing cooked eggs, there is a risk of cross-contamination. A speck of raw egg on a surface can be transferred to something else and make someone sick.

To address this, some people use pasteurized eggs, which are gently heated in their shells to kill bacteria without cooking the egg. Pasteurized eggs are recommended by the CDC to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, especially when preparing recipes with raw or undercooked eggs, or when feeding pregnant women. Pasteurized eggs can be harder to find, as not every grocery store carries them. They also have a different texture and are not suitable for whipping into stiff peaks.

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Whey protein is safe for pregnant women

When choosing a whey protein powder, look for one with minimal ingredients and no added sugars, artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours, or preservatives. It's also important to opt for a product that has been third-party tested to ensure safety and quality.

While whey protein can be a convenient way to boost your protein intake during pregnancy, it's important to prioritise getting protein from whole food sources. Lean meats, low-mercury fish, certain grains, legumes, and pasteurised dairy products are excellent sources of protein. It's recommended that pregnant women consume about 70 to 100 grams of protein per day, depending on their total body weight.

In addition to whey protein, collagen protein powder can also be beneficial during pregnancy as it contains the amino acid glycine, which becomes conditionally essential during this time. However, as with any supplement, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before taking collagen or any other protein supplement during pregnancy.

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It's fine to eat in moderation

If you're craving some Halo Top ice cream, it's fine to eat in moderation during pregnancy. While it's always a good idea to be mindful of your diet and consumption during pregnancy, there's no need to restrict yourself completely.

Halo Top ice cream is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It's important to remember that most foods are safe during pregnancy, and unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider, there's no need to cut out all your favourite treats.

That being said, it's completely normal to be more cautious about what you eat during pregnancy. If you're unsure about a particular ingredient, it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional or your midwife. They can provide personalised advice and help ease any anxiety you may have about your diet during pregnancy.

For example, if you're concerned about whey protein, which is found in some ice creams, there's no evidence that it's unsafe for pregnant women. However, if you're still unsure, there are plenty of other ice cream options available that don't contain whey protein. You can always check the ingredient list on the packaging to make an informed choice.

Overall, it's all about enjoying your favourite foods in moderation while also prioritising a healthy and balanced diet for you and your baby. So, go ahead and indulge in that scoop of Halo Top every now and then!

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It's lower in calories than other ice creams

Halo Top is a lower-calorie alternative to traditional ice cream. A pint of Halo Top contains only 300 calories, while a serving of regular ice cream can contain 280–380 calories.

Halo Top is able to achieve this lower calorie count by using natural sugar substitutes and less cream. For example, Halo Top uses ingredients such as erythritol and stevia leaf extract, which are calorie-free or virtually calorie-free.

In addition to being lower in calories, Halo Top is also higher in protein than regular ice cream. A 1/2-cup (64-gram) serving of Halo Top has 5 grams of protein, while a serving of regular ice cream would only have about half of that amount.

The lower calorie and higher protein content of Halo Top can be beneficial for those who are trying to manage their weight or increase their protein intake. It can be a good option for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat while still staying within their calorie goals.

However, it's important to note that Halo Top may not be as creamy or satisfying as regular ice cream due to its lower fat and sugar content. Additionally, overeating Halo Top may have some negative effects, such as encouraging unhealthy portion control habits and potentially causing gas due to the added prebiotic fiber.

Overall, Halo Top is a lower-calorie ice cream option that can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. While it has some benefits, such as being lower in calories and higher in protein, it's still a highly processed food that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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It's not laden with chemicals

Halo Top is not laden with chemicals. The ice cream's ingredients are relatively natural.

The base of Halo Top is milk and cream, but it uses a much higher ratio of skim milk to heavy cream. It is sweetened with stevia, a plant-based extract that is 200 times sweeter than table sugar. Stevia is so potent that it must be cut with a "flowing agent" called erythritol, a sugar alcohol with 60 to 80 percent of the sweetness of sugar and none of the caloric content. Erythritol is also not absorbed by the digestive tract.

The remaining components of Halo Top are less unusual. Eggs are added as a texture-softening emulsifier; concentrated lactose protein is added to increase satiety; while thickening agents vegetable glycerin, carob gum, and guar gum are used to replicate the creamy feel of regular ice cream.

Halo Top also contains prebiotic fibre, a non-digestible plant fibre that adds heft. Prebiotic fibre may fuel the growth of good bacteria in your large intestine.

The natural colours in Halo Top come from the juices of vegetables and fruits, as well as golden-coloured turmeric and annatto, a red plant extract.

The only ingredient that has been known to cause gastric distress in some people is erythritol, but Woolverton, the founder of Halo Top, believes that "you would have to eat around four to five pints to feel any sort of negative effect."

Frequently asked questions

Halo Top ice cream is safe to eat during pregnancy. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for specific dietary advice during pregnancy.

There are no known concerns regarding the consumption of Halo Top ice cream during pregnancy. It is a popular choice among pregnant women due to its relatively low-calorie content.

It is generally safe to consume most foods during pregnancy, including ice cream. However, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and ensure proper nutrition for both mother and baby. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a healthy option.

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