Even though you have type 2 diabetes, it doesn't mean you can't let anything sweet pass through your lips again. There are ways to satisfy your cravings from time to time, with a little bit of strategizing.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you can absolutely include sweets and desserts in your diet if you have diabetes, as long as they are part of a healthy eating plan and you don't overindulge. The ADA also recommends working with a registered dietitian to develop a creative eating plan.
Try to include sweet treats in your healthy eating plan with these tips.
Know your cravings
Do circumstances exist where you are more likely to be tempted? Think about what lets you crave sweets. Are you easily influenced by a television show or a commercial? Be aware of activities that may spark a craving. For example, if you know you're always tempted when passing a certain restaurant or billboard, try not to go that way.
Designate a day for a sweet treat
Based on how well you handle your diabetes and what you and your diabetes care team feel is best for you, you can determine how many days you can schedule to satisfy your sweet tooth in a week or month.
Choose something that you really enjoy
Rather than settle for something you do not like so much merely because it's labeled low sugar, eat smaller amounts of something you enjoy. Eating what you want would not only make you feel more fulfilled but opting for the "diabetes-friendly" version could also cause you to eat more than you should.
Savor the few bites
Share that piece of cake with a friend or just half a big cookie. Often the first few bites are what you love the most. Try and stick to two or three bites, and be careful of what you eat. Eat slower, think about what you eat, and savor the taste.
Choose fruit
Not only is fruit delicious enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it is also healthier as it has fewer carbohydrates and no additional sugar in comparison with sweets. Moreover, fruit contains helpful fiber, as digestion takes longer and the increase in blood sugar is less likely.
Go easy on yourself
You don't always have to hit 100%. Instead, try to follow your diabetes diet strictly at least 80% of the time and encourage yourself to indulge occasionally.
