Girl Scout cookie season is a beloved time of year that has been around for more than 100 years. The profits from the sales fund troop adventures, like camping trips and museum visits. Nutrition experts recommend practicing portion control when enjoying Girl Scout cookies. Freezing half the box and dividing the remaining cookies into smaller servings can help prevent mindlessly eating a whole box at once. Registered dietitian Nicole Rodriguez advises savoring the flavor, texture, and aroma of your favorite cookie mindfully. According to Cara Harbstreet, just because you eat something with added sugar doesn’t mean your whole diet has been derailed, so it’s okay to enjoy the occasional treat.
Tagalongs, or Peanut Butter Patties, are recommended by dietitians for their higher protein and fiber content compared to other types of Girl Scout cookies. Toffee-tastic cookies are another favorable option because of their lower added sugar content and gluten-free rice flour base. Lemonades are a lighter option for those who prefer a lemon-flavored shortbread cookie, while Toast-Yay! offers a sweet French toast-like flavor with less added sugar. Trefoils, iconic shortbread cookies, are praised for being low in saturated fat and having the lowest added sugar content per serving. Do-si-dos are known for their monounsaturated fat content and protein and fiber, which can help keep you satisfied.
In terms of portion sizes, Thin Mints are a good option since a serving size is four cookies, making it easier for those who like to snack on a couple of cookies. With 160 calories per four cookies, Thin Mints are nutritionally similar to just two of some of the other cookie varieties. Despite their added sugar content, Girl Scout cookies offer the opportunity for enjoyment and indulgence in moderation. Dietitians Rodriguez and Harbstreet advise against depriving yourself of your favorite cookie and suggest savoring them mindfully to fully enjoy the flavor and texture. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend aiming for 50 grams or less of added sugar per day, leaving plenty of room to enjoy occasional treats like Girl Scout cookies without derailing your overall diet.
