When diagnosed with diabetes, many older adults immediately assume that anything containing sugar is off-limits. This can leave them mourning the loss of beloved desserts. The truth is that having diabetes doesn’t have to be about restrictions. Instead, it can be about moderation. This means that desserts aren’t off the table. Instead, older adults with diabetes need to make smarter choices. There are many kinds of desserts that won’t interfere with maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. Below are some tips that can help seniors with diabetes continue to enjoy desserts.
Keep it Small
The larger the serving of dessert the older adult eats, the more sugar they eat, too. By keeping portion sizes small, the seniors can enjoy the sweet flavor without throwing off their entire meal plan. It can help to serve desserts in smaller dishes since it can trick the senior’s eyes into thinking they are getting more. For example, instead of serving a piece of cake on a dinner plate, use smaller dessert plates or a teacup saucer, which is even smaller.
Make Dessert in Small Amounts
Cut recipes in half or even smaller. This prevents tempting desserts from hanging around the house for days. You might even consider making desserts in single portion sizes whenever possible. Family caregivers may want to prepare the dessert at their house and bring just one piece over for the seniors to enjoy. Another idea is to make the dessert with the senior and then share it with friends or neighbors. The older adult gets to enjoy the dessert and also gets the joy of the smile and gratitude of the person they share it with.
Plan Ahead
It’s important to know the older adult will be having dessert later in the day so that carbs can be reduced in other meals. In other words, balance the carbs in the dessert with other foods the senior eats throughout the day.
Choose Sugar-Free Desserts
Consider making sugar-free desserts, like a sugar-free hot chocolate or gelatin. Fruit is also a good choice, like some berries topped with sugar-free whipped topping. You can also bake desserts using sugar substitutes.
If your older family member has diabetes and also a bit of a sweet tooth, a home care provider can help them to balance the two. Home care providers can assist with making healthy meals that allow the older adult to enjoy a dessert now and then. In fact, the home care provider can prepare the dessert, too. In addition, the home care provider can remind the older adult to check their blood sugar level, so they know how the foods they eat affect their blood sugar.
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