This Is Why You Can't Have Ice Cream Every Day, Kid — Explain It Like I'm 6

In Explain It Like I'm 6, a dietician answers the burning health questions from Associate Food Editor Meghan Splawn's daughter, Ella.

When I was a kid I used to beg my parents to take me to Dairy Queen so I could order a brownie sundae. Topped with fudge and a mountain of whipped cream, it was the pinnacle of joy for my pre-teen brain. I didn't understand why I couldn't eat this all the time, or why my parents sometimes suggested eating vegetables when ice cream was a mere five minutes away. What was the big deal? Ice cream obviously tastes better, so why would I not just eat that?

Meghan's daughter, Ella, has similar feelings. I mean, ice cream has some nutrients, right? It's not just empty space! Here's what she asked her mom when they were talking about healthy eating questions.

Ella's Question: Why can't I eat ice cream every day? Doesn't ice cream have vitamins?

Good question, kid. Here's Sally Kuzemchak of Real Mom Nutrition with the answer.

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