Celebrate National Ice Cream month!

July is National Ice Cream Month!   In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month.  The third Sunday of the month is National Ice Cream Day.  Wow! How did that fact escape me all these years?

For some fun facts about over seventy Ice Cream flavors, click here.

Be sure to hover over the different flavors and read the contents.  I’m not so sure I want to try a few of them.

Before you head to the store to buy cartons of your favorite brands for the celebration, consider these timely tips on how to celebrate this exciting holiday month without going overboard.

1. Portion control.  If having a big carton of ice cream in threatening to your diet, consider stocking up on individual cups, ice cream bars, or even popsicles for those who cannot do milk products.
2. Take advantage of available fresh fruit and nuts.  Fill your bowl with fruits and nuts first, then top with one generous scoop of softened ice cream. Eat slowly and enjoy.
3. Make sure the sales are really what you need. If limiting yourself is a problem, don’t be tempted to get the two for a special price. The dollars you save may not be worth the extra calories you’ll consume!
4. Have an ice cream party.  Invite friends and neighbors to bring their favorite toppings and join you for a fun evening of games and snacks.  Consider a summer salad and dinner is served for your guests!
5. Tuck $5 ice cream gift cards in the notes and letters you send … encourage others as you celebrate.
6. Check your local eateries.  McDonald’s has 59cent ice cream cones the month of July . For our ice cream outing, we get a cone at the drive thru; then sit in the car, windows down and people-watch while enjoying a small portion of ice cream.