On any given night at D`Lites Emporium the line winds its way outwards in a snake-like style from the counter to the door. Sorority girls fresh from the gym and students craving something sweet wait out the long line for one of D`Lites` exotic flavors, knowing that one spoonful of D`Lites ice cream won`t send them screaming to the scale. At D`Lites, owners Michael Roth and Cindy Noel cater to health-conscious customers who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. "We really have to start watching our sugar," Noel said. "Diabetes is so rampant." Noel said that D`Lites ice cream is perfect for people who are watching their weight because it is made with skim milk, has one-tenth of the sugar of regular ice cream, and contains no artificial or imitation sweeteners, which can cause upset stomachs. D`Lites ice cream contains between 35 and 40 calories per 4-ounce serving. "D`Lites is something you can have everyday," Noel said. In light of the diabetes epidemic currently affecting the younger generations, Noel said she has noticed a younger clientele coming into D`Lites more regularly. Even Noel`s 15-year-old son is more aware of the sugar content in foods. Noel said that when her son picks up a can of orange soda he often puts it down after he sees how much sugar is in it. Monica O`Reilly, owner and manager of Fit For Life Fitness Center, emphasized many of the same principles as Noel in regards to diet. "We do need to take control of our own individual health," O`Reilly said. "You have to make good food choices and exercise regularly." O`Reilly said type 2 diabetes can be caused by being overweight. She said that another factor contributing to the obesity epidemic is poor food choices. "Fast food over and over is a killer," she said. O`Reilly said that many college students who have put on weight from staying up late, eating more and socializing, often use diet strategies like skipping meals and using artificial sweeteners. "Diets don`t work," she said. "Learn effective techniques for managing your weight." Jennifer Levy, a 19-year-old sophomore, has dealt with trying to manage her weight since she arrived at the University of Florida. "When I was in high school I was so active," she said. "Now trying to work out and eat healthy is harder." Levy said that although she does try to run, cycle and eat healthful foods, she still likes to indulge, and she uses low-calorie desserts, such as D`Lites ice cream, to do so. D`Lites` ice cream, said to be "so good for you it`s almost too good to be true," undoubtedly has garnered a following among students and local residents alike. For some, maintaining a weight-loss or weight-maintenance regimen is easier if an indulgence is allowed. Doing so with a healthy alternative may be the reason the lines at D`Lites are so long. "I love eating D`Lites because it allows me to indulge in something sweet without ruining my day`s diet," Levy said. | 
