Enjoying sweet treats with diabetes is possible! Discover diabetes-friendly desserts like whole-grain sweets, dark chocolate, yogurt with fruit, and tips for moderate indulgence.
Craving something sweet but worried about diabetes? We get it. It’s tricky figuring out treats when you’re managing blood sugar. But what if we told you it’s totally possible to enjoy desserts without derailing your health goals?
We’re going to explore how to navigate the world of sweets while keeping your health in check. Let’s dive in!
- Sweets for Diabetics
- Sweets That Contain Whole Grains
- Piece of Dark Chocolate
- Low-Fat Biscuits
- Yogurt with Fruit
- Eat a Small Piece of Other Sweets
- Are there Healthy Sweets?
Sweets for Diabetics
You might think that healthier options are less appealing in the realm of sweets, but we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way. You can indulge in a variety of diabetes-friendly treats, and we’ll explain why they can even be beneficial compared to their counterparts.
1. Sweets That Contain Whole Grains
Focusing on sweets made with whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour—think about it—is a smart move. Why? Because you’re swapping out simple carbs and sugars for complex carbohydrates. This is beneficial because it helps in regulating blood sugar levels. Also, adding fiber to your treats, like whole-grain chocolate cake (made with whole wheat flour!), can help reduce the risk of excess fats and sugars. Sounds good right? You could even add some flax seed to it.
2. Piece of Dark Chocolate
Instead of high-sugar candy, why not go for a piece of dark chocolate? Make sure to choose a type with a lower percentage of saturated fats and sugars. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, offers around 14 grams of carbs and 140 calories per 14-gram serving.
3. Low-Fat Biscuits
When it comes to sweets for diabetics, you can choose types of biscuits, especially low-fat options. These usually contain about 12 grams of carbs and 90 calories per serving. Have it maybe with a cup of nice, warm coffee.
4. Yogurt with Fruit
A serving of yogurt contains 5 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs, and 60 calories. Adding fruit makes it a sweet snack. It satisfies your sweet tooth and it might satisfy your craving for sugar.
You can add fresh or frozen fruits to a cup of yogurt, opting for varieties that are high in fiber. Four pieces of fruit with two tablespoons of yogurt gives you about 16 grams of carbohydrates and 70 calories. Not bad huh?
5. Eat a Small Piece of Other Sweets
When craving sweets, especially traditional ones, a small portion is key. For example, indulging in a tiny piece of baklava, or kanafeh, once in a while is totally fine—but moderation is important. Think of it this way: satisfying your craving in a balanced way involves having a small serving while closely monitoring your blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle alongside it.
Are there Healthy Sweets?
Yes, sweets can be part of a diabetic-friendly diet. That’s not the full story, though. It’s not like every “healthy” option is automatically a free pass. Instead of seeing them as a completely restricted thing, moderation and balance are key to enjoying a variety of foods.
Appropriate guidance for sweets among diabetics involves enjoying them in healthy, balanced quantities, perhaps for celebrations or occasions.
It’s advisable for diabetics to proceed with caution with sweets. Aim to not exceed 100 calories and 12 grams of carbs, while also having a higher percentage of protein and lower percentage of saturated fats.
So, the takeaway when navigating the relationship between diabetes and sweets? Enjoy small portions of what you love, keeping your healthy habits and maintaining stable blood sugar in check while at it.
“I was always so worried about what I could eat, especially when it came to snacks. Finding out I could still enjoy a little bit of chocolate or a homemade cookie made with whole wheat flour, without feeling guilty or seeing my blood sugar spike, was such a relief. It’s all about balance and making smart choices.”
“I used to feel so restricted, like I was missing out on everything. Once I learned how to make healthier versions of my favorite desserts, like using applesauce instead of oil or adding cinnamon for extra flavor, it changed everything. Now, I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself, and my blood sugar is much more stable.”
“Honestly, the biggest hurdle was the mental one. I thought ‘healthy’ meant ‘tasteless.’ But experimenting with natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, and discovering recipes that didn’t skimp on flavor, showed me that I could have my cake and eat it too—responsibly, of course!”
Myth & Facts
Myth: Diabetics can NEVER have sweets.
Fact: That’s not true! Diabetics can enjoy sweets in moderation as part of a balanced diet, focusing on portion control and healthier options.
Question: What kind of sweeteners should I use?
Answer: Natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are good options. They have little to no impact on blood sugar levels and can be used in moderation.
Question: How often can I have a sweet treat?
Answer: It depends on individual factors like blood sugar control and overall diet. It’s best to discuss with a healthcare provider, but as a rule of thumb, keep it infrequent—maybe once or twice a week—and always in small portions.
