Lifestyle Desk: How can it be possible that there is a festival of Diwali and there are no sweets in the house? On this occasion, various types of sweets are available in the market and dishes are also prepared at home. But it becomes a little difficult for diabetic patients to take care of their diet during festivals. Especially when everyone around is eating sweets, they also feel like eating sweets. In such a situation, many people stay away from sweets completely. However, there are some options which can be consumed in limited quantity to satisfy the desire to eat sweets. Let us know what diabetic patients can eat instead of sweets on Diwali.
can eat dark chocolate
If you like chocolate, dark chocolate in small quantities can be an option. It may contain less sugar than normal milk chocolate. For this, choose dark chocolate which has 70 percent or more cocoa content and less added sugar. However, it should also be eaten in limited quantities, because it contains calories and fat.
Fulfill your sweet cravings with fresh fruits
Diabetic patients can eat fresh fruits instead of sweets on Diwali. Fruits like guava, apple, pear and orange are good sources of fiber. Due to the presence of fiber, their consumption can help in reducing rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. However, it is important to keep in mind the quantity of fruits. Eating whole fruits is a better option than drinking fruit juice.
Make dry fruits sweets at home
Instead of buying syrupy sweets from the market, you can prepare small sweets at home using almonds, walnuts, pistachios and cashews. Natural fat, protein and fiber are found in them. These can be made without adding sugar or jaggery. Keep in mind that dry fruits are high in calories, so consume them in limited quantities.
Make delicious dessert with curd and fruits
If you feel like eating something sweet, you can take plain curd without sugar and add some chopped fruits and cinnamon to it. A delicious dessert will be prepared from this. Yogurt contains protein and calcium, while fruits provide fiber and vitamins. Keep in mind not to use flavored or sweetened curd, as these may contain added sugar.
Chia seeds kheer is a good option
If you feel like eating kheer on Diwali, then you can prepare a different kind of dessert from chia seeds. For this, take unsweetened milk or plain curd and mix chia seeds in it and keep it for some time. After this add some chopped fruits and cardamom. Fiber and omega-3 fatty acids are found in chia seeds. Due to this, the stomach may feel full for a long time. Avoid adding sugar, honey or jaggery in it.
Roasted Makhana is also an option
If you feel like eating something sweet and light during the festival, then you can fry some makhana and add cinnamon powder to it. If you wish, you can also add some chopped almonds. Instead of making makhana sweet by roasting it in ghee and sugar, prepare it with less ghee.
Diabetic patients should keep these things in mind on Diwali
1- Consume sweets or sweet options in limited quantities.
2-Do not eat products labeled sugar free without checking. These may contain carbohydrates and calories.
3-Do not consider honey, jaggery and dates as safe alternatives to sugar. These can also increase blood sugar.
4-Avoid eating sweets on an empty stomach and take care of your regular diet.
5-Do not change the time of taking medicines and insulin during the festival.
6- Taking a light walk after meals can be beneficial.
Diabetic patients should pay attention to their quantity and quality instead of giving up sweets completely during festivals. Every person's blood sugar status, medicines and dietary needs are different. Therefore, before including any new option in your diet, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.