Follow these tips to enjoy baked goods guilt-free. (Photo Credit: iStock)
Indulging in baked goods while having diabetes is like a double-edged sword. When consumed within limits, it's all good. However, the moment you go overboard, they can cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels. Contrary to popular belief, diabetics don't need to completely cut out baked goods from their diet. It's true that most baked goods are prepared using unhealthy flours and fats and contain sugar. But the trick here is not to eliminate them, but rather to modify the recipes to make them more diabetic-friendly. After all, who likes to miss out on the joy of indulging in delicious cakes and cookies?
If you're a baker and a diabetic or have people in your family who suffer from the condition, here are some smart baking tips that'll come in handy. By following these easy tips, you can enjoy your favourite baked goods totally guilt-free. Intrigued to know how? Keep reading!
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Diabetic-Friendly Baking | Here Are 6 Smart Baking Tips For Diabetics:
1. Choose your flour wisely:
Most baked goods are prepared using all-purpose flour (maida). But if you suffer from diabetes, it is something that you should avoid as much as possible. While it does help make your baked goods soft and tender, it can also cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Instead, opt for healthier, high-fibre flours like whole wheat flour or oat flour to help keep them under control.
2. Opt for natural sweeteners:
If you're making a sweet baked good, consider swapping white sugar with alternatives. Since white sugar is refined, it can cause spikes in blood sugar and be harmful for your condition. Luckily, there are several other natural sweeteners that 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 mindful of the type of fats you use. If butter is your go-to choice, reconsider your decision. Having it in moderation is not a problem, but issues arise when you consume too much of it. Unfortunately, most baked good recipes contain copious amounts. To enjoy them guilt-free, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
4. Ditch the milk chocolate:
Does your recipe call for milk chocolate? If so, consider swapping it with dark chocolate. This is because milk chocolate contains more sugar and will naturally cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, has comparatively less sugar, making it more suitable for diabetics. So, always remember to make this swap.
5. Keep things simple:
For diabetic-friendly baking, your aim should be to keep things as simple as possible. The simpler your baked goods are, the better it will be for your condition. For savoury baked goods, keep the use of ingredients like cheese to a minimum. For sweet baked goods, avoid using anything that contains extra sugar such as frostings, chocolate shavings, or syrups. Remember, less is always more!
6. Be mindful of your portion size:
Lastly, do not forget to exercise portion control. No matter how healthy you try to make your baked goods, it won't serve the purpose if you consume too much. Anything in excess is never good, and the same goes for baked goods in a diabetic diet. A good way to practice exercise control is to use smaller plates while eating. This way, you'll naturally eat less.
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Indulging in baked goods as a diabetic shouldn't make you feel guilty every time. With these smart tips, you can transform them into healthier treats and enjoy guilt-free!