Girl Scout cookie season is officially here, with profits from sales benefiting local troops and funding various activities. Nutrition experts suggest practicing portion control when indulging in these sweet treats, rather than mindlessly eating an entire box in one sitting. Registered dietitian Nicole Rodriguez recommends freezing half the box and dividing the remaining cookies into individual 2-cookie servings to savor the flavor mindfully. Registered dietitian Cara Harbstreet notes that enjoying a cookie or two occasionally is perfectly fine, as long as it fits within the recommended daily added sugar intake of 50 grams or less.
When it comes to choosing Girl Scout cookies with a more nutritional profile, Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties) stand out for their slightly higher protein and fiber content compared to other varieties. Toffee-tastic cookies are a gluten-free option with less added sugar and contain crunchy toffee bits for a sweet crunch. Lemonades offer a lightly-iced lemon-flavored shortbread cookie, making them a refreshing alternative for those who prefer a citrusy flavor. Toast-Yay! cookies resemble syrup-covered French toast and have a lower added sugar content, making them a tasty yet healthier option.
Trefoils, or the iconic shortbread cookies, are a top pick for being relatively lower in added sugar and saturated fat compared to other selections. Do-si-dos, sandwich cookies with a good amount of monounsaturated fat per serving, offer 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber to help keep you full. Thin Mints, a popular choice among Girl Scout cookie fans, have a serving size of 4 cookies, making them a satisfying snack option with 160 calories per serving, similar to just 2 of some other cookie varieties.
Both dietitians emphasize that while it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and added sugar intake, it’s also okay to enjoy the occasional Girl Scout cookie as a treat. Girl Scout cookies offer a familiar taste and are a beloved tradition, so allow yourself to look forward to indulging in them without feeling guilty. By choosing cookies with a more favorable nutritional profile, such as those mentioned, you can satisfy your cravings while still being mindful of your overall diet and health goals. So go ahead and enjoy a cookie or two, knowing that you’re supporting a good cause and treating yourself in moderation.
