If you are diabetic and lactose intolerant, you may wonder if you can eat dessert. While your options aren't as numerous as a typical eater, many treats are available that won't compromise your health. Some premade products are safe, but creating your own desserts at home allows you to control the ingredients so that you don't have to worry about eating an unsafe food.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit for dessert is recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Fruit is versatile, and using what is in season allows you to create a dessert that is inexpensive and healthy. Chop a variety of fresh fruit and toss together a fruit salad. Try melon, grapes, kiwis, berries and oranges. Try baking apples with a dash of cinnamon. Grilled peaches or bananas can satisfy a sweet tooth as well. Avoid any fruit salads that are made with cream or yogurt because they aren't lactose free.
Ice Cream
Not all ice cream is safe for diabetics and most will aggravate symptoms of lactose intolerance. If you can't find a product that is OK to eat, try Rick Bayless' Avocado Ice Cream, made with lime juice, avocado puree and tequila. His recipe is diabetic-friendly and contains no dairy. Substitute pureed fruit in place of avocado to change up the flavor of the ice cream. Another option is to replace the typical milk in your favorite ice cream recipe and use soy milk, which is a lactose-free alternative that is deemed safe for diabetics by the American Diabetes Association.
Granita
Granita is a healthy alternative to ice cream that contains only a small amount of sugar and no dairy products, making it an ideal choice for a diabetic who is lactose intolerant. Make it with fresh fruit, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, mint leaves and a spoon of sugar. Strawberries, mangoes, cantaloupes, cranberries, grapefruits, lemons and watermelon are good options to try. Some recipes call for more sugar than others so scale it back to a safe amount for your condition.
Baked Goods
Many baked desserts are diabetic-friendly and made with no milk. For example, "Eating Well" magazine's Honey Almond Cake, which appears in its diabetic recipe archive. It is made with almonds, honey, eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Try modifying your favorite bread or muffin recipe by reducing the amount of sugar it contains and if it calls for milk, substitute soy milk to keep your dessert lactose-free. If you are purchasing a prebaked treat, be sure to read the ingredients carefully to be sure it is safe for you to eat.
