People with diabetes may think that desserts and sugar are forbidden since they are loaded with carbohydrates. But that is not true, as long as you plan and choose your sweets carefully, you can enjoy your favorite dessert.
"The myths among many people are that desserts are off-limits if you are diabetic, but they are not; you just have to work them into your eating plan with your physician or diabetes educator," said Jackie Mills, a registered dietitian, and author of "The Big Book of Diabetic Desserts."
It means that you need to cut back on carbohydrates elsewhere in your meal plan. If a dietitian recommends a diabetic patient to limit their carb intake to 30 to 40 grams a meal, that means they must replace a small dessert with the other carb-rich foods to still be within the goal. They can replace rice, bread or mashed potatoes with a small slice of cake, Mills explained.
Another tip is to be smart with the choice of carbs in your meal plan, you need to consume them cautiously and not waste them on treats that are less satisfying.
"If you are spending your carbs on a packaged, processed bag of cookies, is that a wise choice?" Mills asked. "Think about the quality of dessert, how much satisfaction you will get from it and the sharing concept of it," Mills said. In other words, sharing desserts can help you control your portion.
There are also desserts that are made for diabetics that are craving for a sweet treat, they can go with a piece for fresh fruit, dried dates or dried cranberries or cherries.
"The sweetness is less potent than a dessert; plus, you are getting the nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber from those foods," Mills said.
If you are into higher-fat treats, it is best to downsize your dessert. Eating bite-sized portions of desserts can help you satisfy your cravings while keeping your carbohydrate intake in check. Keep in mind that as you increase your portion size, so does your blood sugar level and calories. You can eat one mini-muffin, one small cookie or one truffle.
"Petit fours are in that category, too," Mills said. "I just got a mini doughnut pan, and it makes the cutest desserts. It's probably four bites, so you can bake a regular cake batter in it and have automatic portion control," she said.
"Enjoying a mini-muffin with fruit instead of a frosted cupcake can mean the difference between having something sweet and satisfying versus going overboard." Mills explained
