Diwali is about one thing and one thing only, the sweets. It’s that one time of year when everyone overdoses on mithais and their blood sugar reaches a dangerously high level. However, for diabetics, this season is all about FOMO. They have to stay away from all the sugary goodness, and unlike those who diet, theirs is not by choice. Today is World Diabetes Day, and since it falls on Diwali, we thought we should help share ways in which diabetics can have a sweet Diwali.
We got in touch with Karishma Chawla, celebrity nutritionist and lifestyle educator and Neha Ranglani, integrative nutritionist and health coach to give you the perfect diabetic’s guide to Diwali sweets!
Avoid ALL Refined Sugar
Karishma says,
The idea is to eat sweets and desserts made at home with jaggery, stevia or coconut sugar and not refined sugar since we don’t want blood sugar spikes and an insulin rush.
Neha further adds that using alternatives like monk fruit and erythritol that have a low G.I. (glycemic index) will not cause a jump in insulin levels, making it safe for diabetics. Luckily, these alternatives are not hard to come across at all. With growing health conciousness all over, refined sugar free versions of practically all mithais are easily available! And if they aren’t, you can always make them at home!
Say No To Refined Flour And Fried Sweets
Mithais made with refined flour are maida in hell (get it?). Avoid them at all costs! Both Karishma and Neha say that sweets made with refined, carb-heavy flour are to not to be touched at all.
Neha says,
It’s best for diabetics to avoid fried sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, malpua, motichoor laddoo etc., as it’s a double whammy affecting the sugar levels and weakening the liver at the same time. Instead they can opt for sweets like barfi, kaju katri, rasgulla, phirni, besan laddoos and pedas in small quantities.
Say Yes To Dry Fruits And Nuts
Both nutritonists strongly urge diabetics to eat sweets that are made with dry fruits and nuts as they are healthy and naturally sweetened with figs and dates. They don’t contain refined sugar, maida and are not fried. Personally, I find them delicious. I don’t suffer from diabetes yet I reach for them all the time. They’re light on the tummy as well!
Be Mindful Of Portions
Neha says that by being mindful of portion sizes and keeping them small, a diabetic can indulge in sugary sweets as well. Karishma adds that by eating throughout the day, a diabetic can maintain their insulin levels and reduce their sweet cravings as well.
Diwali is all about your sweet tooth, and diabetics can have one as well! We hope you enjoy your festive season and indulge mindfully in the refined sugar and flour free goodness!
Do you have anything to add to this guide? Share it with us in the comments below.
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