Naturally sweet, low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals and virtually fat free, some fruits may be the perfect desserts for a diabetic eating plan. To bring out the flavors of fresh fruit, garnish these colorful treats with chopped nuts, fresh lemon slices or mint leaves. Nonfat yogurt and frozen yogurt make healthy toppings. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, one small piece of fruit, 1/2 cup of frozen or canned fruit or 3/4 to one cup of melon or berries have about 15 g of carbohydrate. To manage your blood sugar, count the carbohydrates in fruit as part of your daily carb allowance. Because they are rich in fiber, many fruits have a low to moderate effect on your blood sugar level, the ADA notes. When buying canned or frozen fruit, choose brands that have no added sugars.
Banana-Yogurt Split
Make a low-fat, low-calorie version of a classic dessert by topping banana halves with your favorite flavor of yogurt or frozen yogurt. Garnish your banana split with a sprinkling of chopped nuts and top with fresh berries. Two-thirds of a cup of nonfat yogurt has about 12 g of carbohydrate and 8 g of protein, according to the ADA.
Seasonal Smoothies and Sorbets
When peaches, strawberries or nectarines are in season, blend them with nonfat vanilla yogurt and crushed ice into a smoothie that's low in calories and high in summertime flavor. During the winter months, use frozen or canned fruit without added sugar. For a simple sorbet, nutritionist Maya W. Paul suggests freezing berries, peach or mango slices or other fruits, then blending them in a food processor. Mix blended fruit with lemon or lime juice and sugar to taste before serving.
Fruit Crisp
For a baked dessert that's fragrant with cinnamon, Maya W. Paul recommends layering apple or peach slices or berries in a baking dish, then topping them with a crumbled mixture of low-carb brown sugar, cinnamon, rolled oats and a small amount of butter. Bake the mixture at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes. A scoop of low carb vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt melts appealingly over a serving of warm fruit crisp.
Frozen Fruit Pops
Replace artificially colored and flavored store-bought ice pops with your own homemade treats made from 100 percent fruit juice with no added sugar. Use orange juice, grape juice or other juices to make refreshing frozen desserts. Pour juice into ice trays or miniature paper cups. Add a spoon to the juice to serve as a handle, then freeze until the juice solidifies.
Fresh Fruit Medley
The most basic dessert of all may be a medley of your favorite fruits. Exotic fruits, such as mangoes, papaya and pineapple, come together with a sprinkling of shredded coconut for a tropical fruit salad. Cantaloupe and honeydew melon chunks combine with strawberries, blueberries or raspberries for a colorful blend. Bananas, strawberries and canned pineapple chunks make a flavorful combination. Serve one cup of your fruit medley in a chilled parfait glass with a sprig of mint for an elegant, nutritious after-dinner treat.
