Desserts for Diabetics

Just because you have diabetes does not mean that you no longer have a sweet tooth now and again. While many diabetics find that a sensible diet makes a huge difference in their ability to manage their symptoms, they also find that the diet restrictions can be difficult to follow. The good news is, even though you have diabetes, you do not have to give up desserts! There are sensible and healthy dessert recipes out there for diabetics that still satisfy your cravings while staying in the limits of your diet. Here are a few examples: Fudge Brownies – made with 60-72% cacao content, these fudge like brownies are often more “chocolaty” than those made with less cacao. Research continues to back up claims that cacao is actually good for us when eaten in moderation. Melon Salad  – Combine cantaloupe and honeydew melon with chopped mint leaves and lime juice. Creamy Baked Custards  – The combination of vanilla and cherry compote makes this a delicious dessert for dinner parties. Flourless Honey-Almond Cake  –Not only is this a dessert that is well within the limits of a diabetic diet, but it is also gluten free! The honey and almonds take care of the flavor while you focus on enjoying this yummy treat. Sugarless Hot Chocolate – On cold winter mornings when you feel like you need a little something to warm you up, try sugarless hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Banana Split Cake  – With ingredients such as graham crackers, sugar-free vanilla pudding, light cream cheese and bananas, it’s difficult to imagine that this dessert could be anything less than fantastic. Swirled Cheesecake Brownies – These brownies use reduced fat cream cheese and nonfat yogurt to create a marbled cheesecake topping that will make you think about seconds for sure. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Trail Bars – Great treats for when you are on the go, but still need a quick dessert at the end of lunch. They are full of protein and provide a good energy boost. As it turns out, there are still all kinds of delicious foods you can enjoy even when you have diabetes. The trick is doing your research and using the right ingredients. Changing your diet often means buying foods and ingredients that you may not have used before. It may take some time before choosing diabetes friendly foods becomes a habit. Hang in there! Take it one step at a time and remind yourself there is always room for a little dessert!