Fittest Cities vs. Ice Cream Cities
As summer comes to a close, we reflect back on our memories in the sun, splashing in the waves, and waiting in line to get our favorite ice cream cone. This summer in particular showed a surprisingly high enthusiasm for the cold, creamy treat – ice cream stores concocted some of the craziest and most unique flavors ever seen, according to USA Today.
Because eating ice cream is one of America's favorite summer traditions, we at Bundle wondered if our Fittest Cities list correlated with our Ice Cream-Crazy Cities list. Are the fittest cities also the cities that eat the least ice cream, and vice versa? Find out below!
Craving one last cone before summer officially ends? Find the best ice cream stores near you here.
Chicago, IL is one of the fittest (and the sexiest) cities in the country, however when it comes to ice cream, their sweet tooth is lacking. And it makes sense -- they like to burn calories and tone up, avoiding excess sugar and fat. Chicago residents consume about 20 percent less ice cream than the national average, likely due to the bitter temperatures that so often plague this Windy City. Though summers can be hot, ice cream just doesn’t satisfy Chicago residents.
Long Beach, CA ranked first on our list of America’s most ice cream-crazy cities; these Californians spend 1,061 percent more and eat 268 percent more ice cream than the average American. As the weather is almost perfect year round in this beautiful beach city, this is not unexpected. Long Beach-ers love their ice cream. But do they work it off afterwards? Although Long Beach residents spend about 30 percent less than the average American on fitness, somehow, these Southern Californians seem to stay in shape. With the Pacific Ocean at their doorstep, Long Beach-ers likely keep fit by surfing, swimming, or taking long walks on the beach. Headed to the beach for Labor Day Weekend? Find the best bargains on swimwear here.
Back on the East Coast, Norfolk, VA caught our eye. This city spends the least on working out in the entire country – meaning they simply don’t choose to invest their money in gyms and fitness centers. But their sweet tooth is certainly strong; this city eats 23 percent more ice cream than the national average. Norfolk residents are more eager to try the new ice cream flavors of 2012 than to fit into last summer’s swimsuit.
Residents in Scottsdale, AZ work out almost 50 percent more than the national average, and they like to keep their bodies in shape. Eating ice cream is not something these desert dwellers do often – they eat ice cream almost half as frequently as the average American.
Two cities that eat a lot of ice cream but sweat it out afterwards are Dallas, TX and Columbus, OH. Dallas is the number one fittest city in America, hitting the gym 24 percent more than the national average; it's also the number two ice cream-crazy city in the nation, with residents eating ice cream 187 percent more than the national average. Columbus residents eat 159 percent more ice cream than the national average, and work out 14 percent more – the seventh highest in the country.
What we learned
There is often an opposite correlation between the biggest ice cream-crazy cities and the fittest cities – meaning people in the cities that like to work out most eat the least ice cream, and vice versa. However, residents in some cities can manage their weight while eating ice cream, proving that as long as you work out and eat a generally healthy diet, it’s okay to treat yourself.
Check out the infographics below to see how the most ice cream-crazy cities and the fittest cities compare!
AMERICA'S MOST ICE CREAM-CRAZY CITIES
AMERICA'S FITTEST CITIES
5 Places That Will Still Be Open On Thanksgiving and Christmas
The 7 Most Murderous Animal Species in America
How To Move To Canada If Your Candidate Doesn't Win The Election
