Follow these tips to enjoy baked goods without the guilt. (Photo credit: iStock)
Baked goods are a double-edged sword. If you eat them in moderation, you’re fine. But if you overindulge, they can cause your blood sugar levels to spike rapidly. Contrary to popular belief, diabetics don’t need to eliminate baked goods from their diet completely. It’s true that most baked goods are made with unhealthy flours and fats and contain sugar. But the trick here isn’t to eliminate them, but rather to modify the recipes to make them more diabetic-friendly. After all, who likes to deprive themselves of the pleasure of indulging in delicious cakes and cookies?
If you are a baker and diabetic or have family members who suffer from this condition, here are some smart baking tips that will come in handy. By following these simple tips, you will be able to enjoy your favorite baked goods without any guilt. Want to know how? Keep reading!
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Photo credit: iStock
Diabetic-Friendly Baking | Here are 6 smart baking tips for diabetics:
1. Choose your flour wisely:
Most baked goods are made with all-purpose flour (maida). But if you have diabetes, this is something you should avoid as much as possible. While it helps make your baked goods moist and tender, it can also cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Instead, opt for healthier, fiber-rich flours like whole wheat flour or oat flour to help keep them in check.
2. Opt for natural sweeteners:
If you’re baking sweet treats, consider swapping out white sugar for alternatives. Since white sugar is refined, it can cause blood sugar spikes and be harmful to your health. Luckily, there are several other natural sweeteners you can rely on. Some great options to consider include coconut sugar and date sugar. You can even use mashed bananas in some recipes.
3. Choose healthier fats:
Fats are what give baked goods their airy texture. However, you need to be careful about the type of fat you use. If butter is your go-to choice, reconsider. It’s okay to eat it in moderation, but problems arise when you eat too much of it. Unfortunately, most baking recipes contain large amounts of it. To enjoy them guilt-free, swap out the butter for olive oil or coconut oil.
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4. Ditch the milk chocolate:
Does your recipe call for milk chocolate? If so, consider swapping it out for dark chocolate. Milk chocolate contains more sugar and will naturally cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, contains comparatively less sugar, making it more suitable for diabetics. So never forget to make this swap.
5. Keep it simple:
When it comes to baking for diabetics, your goal should be to keep things as simple as possible. The simpler your baked goods are, the better suited they will be for your condition. For savory baked goods, keep ingredients like cheese to a minimum. For sweet baked goods, avoid using anything that contains extra sugar, such as frosting, chocolate chips, or syrups. Remember, less is always more!
6. Pay attention to your portion sizes:
Finally, remember to control your portions. No matter how hard you try to make healthy baked goods, they won’t do any good if you eat too much of them. Too much is never good, and the same goes for baked goods on a diabetic diet. A good way to control your portions is to use smaller plates when you eat. This way, you’ll naturally eat less.
Read also : Top 5 Morning Drinks for Diabetics to Add to Your Routine
Photo credit: iStock
If you have diabetes, you don’t have to feel guilty about eating baked goods. With these tips, you can turn them into healthier treats and enjoy them guilt-free!
