Diabetes News – July 2023
Celebrating National Ice Cream Month: Indulging in Moderation for People with Diabetes
July is not only a month of warm weather and sunshine but also a time to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. While ice cream may seem off-limits for individuals with diabetes, it doesn’t have to be completely avoided. With mindful choices and moderation, people with diabetes can still enjoy the occasional scoop of their favorite frozen treat. Let’s explore how you can satisfy your ice cream cravings while managing your diabetes effectively.
Understanding Diabetes and Ice Cream:
For individuals living with diabetes, it is essential to manage blood sugar levels and maintain a balanced diet. While ice cream is typically high in sugar and carbohydrates, it doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to this delightful treat. Moderation and careful portion control are key. Opting for sugar-free or low-sugar ice cream varieties can be a great alternative. Additionally, some ice cream brands offer options specifically designed for individuals with diabetes, which are lower in carbohydrates and contain artificial sweeteners. Halo Top has numerous flavors and can be found at most grocery stores.
Mindful Choices for Ice Cream Lovers:
When selecting ice cream, consider the nutritional content and portion size. It’s advisable to choose smaller portions and savor the taste rather than indulging in large servings. Opt for sugar-free or reduced-sugar options that use artificial sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, which have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Furthermore, you can explore homemade ice cream alternatives using natural sweeteners like fruit purees or sugar substitutes.
Pairing and Toppings for Balance:
To further enhance your ice cream experience while managing diabetes, consider pairing it with protein or healthy fats to help slow down the absorption of sugar. For example, adding a handful of nuts, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a dollop of natural nut butter can provide satiety and balance to your dessert. Fresh berries or sliced fruits can also add natural sweetness and fiber while reducing the overall glycemic impact.
National Ice Cream Month can be a time to celebrate and enjoy frozen delights even for individuals with diabetes. With thoughtful choices, portion control, and alternatives tailored to your dietary needs, you can still treat yourself to a scoop or two. Remember, moderation is key, and it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare team to ensure your ice cream indulgence aligns with your diabetes management plan.
Content Source: ChatGPT. (2023, July 3). “Write a blog post that is 500 words or less about July being national icecream month and talk about how people with diabetes can still have ice cream, it just needs to be in moderation.” OpenAI. https://openai.com. Content fact checked by Leslie Johnson, MS, RD, LD
The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. Try this two ingredient banana ice cream to satisfy your summer sweet tooth:
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hrs
Ingredients:
- 4 overripe bananas
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
- Peel bananas and slice into ½ inch discs. Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Place the banana slices in a food processor or powerful blender. Puree banana slices, scraping down the bowl as needed. Puree until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the peanut butter and puree to combine. Serve immediately for soft-serve ice cream consistency. If you prefer harder ice cream, place in the freezer for a few hours and then serve.
- *Note-if you have a hard time creating a creamy consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help puree the banana slices. Make sure you use a powerful food processor or blender!
Nutrition:
Calories: 152 cal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 38mg, Potassium: 474mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 76IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 9mg, Iron: 1mg