An important part of managing your diabetes health is following a healthy diet plan. A diabetes diet emphasizes nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean protein and reduced-fat dairy products. Eat cakes and other desserts on special occasions, but do not include them in your daily eating plan.
Sugar
Traditionally, most cakes and desserts contain sugar. The American Diabetes Association reports that under most circumstances, those with diabetes can include small amounts of sugar in their diets, which adds that your blood glucose levels are less affected by the type of carbohydrate you consume than by the quantity. This means you can substitute a dessert for another carb-containing food, such as bread, pasta, fruit, beans or yogurt. You should consume between 45 and 60 g of total carbs at each meal.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can replace sugar in making cakes and other desserts. Unlike sugar, artificial sweetener does not contain carbs and will not affect your blood glucose levels. Using artificial sweeteners instead of traditional sugar will alter the taste and texture of your desserts. For this reason, it might take you some time to adjust to baking with artificial sweeteners. Keep in mind that just because you use artificial sweeteners does not mean you can enjoy all the desserts you desire. Many desserts contain other carb ingredients, such as milk, fruit and flour.
Dessert Ideas
Try the American Diabetes Association's recipe for Apple Cake with Lemon Thyme. This recipe calls for fresh Granny Smith apples, lemon thyme leaves, eggs, flour, freshly squeezed lemon juice, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and artificial sweetener. Or try the website's recipe for banana cake, which calls for brown and granulated sugar -- not artificial sweetener -- as well as fresh bananas, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, egg, dark rum, low-fat buttermilk and canola oil.
Considerations
Keep your dessert portions small. Many, even with sugar removed, provide little nutritional value. If you crave something sweet, but want a healthier alternative to a traditional dessert, try nonfat plain yogurt mixed with fresh fruit. But if you do choose a traditional dessert item, you can make it healthier by altering some of the ingredients. Try using nonfat milk instead of whole milk and replace oils with applesauce. You can also cut down on your dessert's sugar content by replacing some of it with sweet spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
References
- American Dietetic Association: Diabetes and Diet
- American Diabetes Association: Sugar and Desserts
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrates
- American Diabetes Association: Artificial Sweeteners
- American Diabetes Association: Apple Cake with Lemon Thyme
- American Diabetes Association: Havana Banana Cake
