In summers, who doesn’t want to relish ice cream? For diabetes, things are not that simple. You need to count your carbs, and sugar before you eat anything. Looking at this condition, sugary foods like ice cream, and other desserts are thought to be in “Not to Eat” list for diabetics.
However, the fact is that a diabetic can eat frozen desserts occasionally when you replace them for other carbohydrates in the meal plan. Let us know more about the safety of eating ice cream in diabetes, and the right way to include it in the diabetic meal.
How safe is ice cream in Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes?
Most ice creams that you get in the market are loaded with sugar. That makes it a rare treat for diabetics. You should also note that eating sweet things like ice cream that is made with artificial sugars trigger a signal in brain that leads to more sugar cravings.
Such ice-creams are definitely not a healthy inclusion for a diabetic. Also, there can be a few side effects like bloating, and gas experienced on eating foods with artificial sweeteners. This is because they have the ability to modify the balance of healthy gut bacteria in the intestine.
However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t eat ice cream. There are a few healthier variations in ice cream that can be eaten occasionally in moderate amounts. These variations have low sugar, low fat, and low calorie that avoids spike in blood glucose.
Can a diabetic eat Low Sugar ice cream?
Sugar is the key reason that leads to abrupt increase in insulin in a diabetes patient. So, you need to opt for low sugar versions of ice-creams.
Cashew, dark chocolate and coconut are low fat, low calorie, and healthy foods that when added together gives you the same creamy texture that you get from regular milk ice creams. Ice creams that are made from cashew-milk, coconut-milk, and dark chocolate with handful of roasted nuts have less calorie and sugar content than the ones made from whole fat milk. Ice cream made from milk have high amounts of saturated fat due to its high fat, and cream content
Some ice creams are made with honey, and maple syrup that are far less in calories, and more in nutrition over the ones made from white sugar. Honey, and Maple Syrup also ranks comparatively lower on GI Scale than white sugar. So, choose ice creams that are made with these two ingredients to manage your blood sugar. Ensure you eat them in moderation.
How to include ice cream in your diet?
Before eating ice cream, first eat your healthy meal that should have a lot of greens, protein, and healthy fats. On the day when you want to eat ice cream, replace your carbohydrate portion by ice-cream.
When you eat ice cream as the last thing, not only will you eat less, but also your body will be able to handle this small dose of sugar efficiently without gives any discomforting signs. To increase its portion, you can top it with roasted nuts, fresh berries, and unsweetened coconut flakes. It will make it more nutritious, and keeping sugar under control.
Sip herbal tea, decaf coffee, or cinnamon tea, with the dessert to slow down the release of sugar in the blood, and enjoy the dessert more carefully. Pair your ice cream with good proteins, and fats to lessen the overall GI (Glycemic Index) of the dessert.
How much Ice Cream can a diabetic eat?
Limit your intake to 1 small scoop to reduce sugar, and calorie intake.
What things to look for when buying an ice cream?
Always check the grams of carbs, and sugar in the ice cream that you find in the store. Pay attention to the quality, and type of ingredients. Ensure that it doesn’t have chemicals, or have it in less quantities in the form of artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial taste. These chemicals impair the metabolism and impact your overall health.
Conclusion
Low-sugar, and low-calorie ice creams can be eaten in diabetes. However, you need to keep in mind that if you are getting sugar from ice cream, then avoid eating sugar from other sugary delights sources. If you eat both, then it will shoot up the blood glucose levels. You need to choose either of them and in controlled amounts to avoid any spike in your blood sugar.
If you diligently follow the dietary guidelines, and includes a thirty minutes scheduled exercise, then ice cream is a good way to satisfy your sweet cravings.