People with diabetes need to pay special attention to their diet because eating too many carbohydrates or too much sugar can raise their blood sugar to dangerously high levels. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can result in side effects like heart problems, dizziness and vision problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. Luckily, diabetics can still enjoy some of their favorite recipes by substituting unhealthy ingredients with diabetic-friendly foods.
White Meat for Dark Meat
One of the easiest yet most beneficial ingredient substitutions that a diabetic can do is replacing dark meat with white meat. The Mayo Clinic states that since diabetics are already at a higher risk of heart disease than the general population, they should limit their intake of fat from animal products, especially saturated fat which clogs the arteries. Decreasing fat in a recipe can be as simple as using skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken legs or thighs. Diabetics can also trade ground beef for a leaner yet similar tasting meat, ground turkey. These changes reduce saturated fat intake and help to protect diabetics' hearts.
Cauliflower for Potatoes
Another unique food substitution for diabetics is using cauliflower to make a mashed vegetable dish similar to mashed potatoes. Diabetes Self Management explains that cauliflower "faux-ta-toes" have the same consistence and flavor as mashed potatoes, but without all of the starches and excess carbohydrates that mashed potatoes have. Faux-ta-toes are made by boiling cauliflower until it is soft, draining it, putting it in a blender and blending with milk, butter and sour cream.
Lighter Sour Cream
Diabetes Self Management also recommends creating a lower-fat version of sour cream instead of using regular, full-fat sour cream. Simply mix nonfat yogurt with some low-fat or fat-free sour cream. The yogurt adds a creamy taste like regular sour cream, but it is healthier for the heart.
Soy Flour for Wheat Flour
Barbara Brown, registered dietitian from Oklahoma State University, states that diabetics should substitute foods which are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, since protein helps to stabilize blood sugar levels while carbohydrates increases them. She states that soy flour makes an excellent substitute for wheat flour or regular white flour in breads, muffins, baked goods and pancakes. Soy flour tastes similar to other forms of flour, but is rich in protein and lower in carbohydrates. Soy flour can be purchased in most health food stores.
