We all agree that it is indeed the most beautiful time of the year when we all are set with open arms to welcome the New Year. This is the season to enjoy the cheer and devour all your favourite delicacies, and no one's judging either. But it doesn't harm to look for healthy and diabetes-friendly recipes simultaneously, does it?
Celebrations for Diabetics
Everyone wants to eat to their heart’s content, but they may fall off the hook, being a diabetic. Being a person with diabetes doesn't mean that you cannot relish your favourite dishes. It only means that you can enjoy them more healthily. So switch to a diabetes-friendly way of preparing the dishes to feel guilt-free and satiated. Choose recipes with a low glycemic index and low or zero sugar. This way, you will be able to enjoy the festivities. Sujata Sharma, Diabetes Care Coach and Nutritionist at BeatO App, shares four diabetes-friendly recipes for the new year.
Almond Flour Pancakes
This is an ideal method to start your morning. Almond Flour is known to be beneficial for people with diabetes. Here's what you require to make almond flour pancakes.
Total Cook Time: 15-20 mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup of almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ cup low-fat milk
- 2 teaspoon natural sweetener
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Mix all the dry ingredients- baking powder, almond flour and salt in a bowl. After that, add in vanilla extract, eggs, water, olive oil and low-fat milk.
- Mix the batter until it is smooth.
- Keep your cooking pan on a medium flame. Pour this batter in the form of pancakes onto the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes. Please wait until the pancake turns golden brown and becomes a bit firm.
- Top your pancakes with sugar-free syrup and low-carb toppings.
Cranberry And Coriander Quinoa Salad
We have an exciting and delectable salad recipe for you. There is nothing better to start your culinary adventure than with good health.
Total Cook Time: 2 hours 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup minced carrots
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
- In a pan, pour half a cup of water and cover it with a lid.
- Pour in the quinoa and simmer over low heat until the water has been absorbed. It will roughly take 15-20 minutes.
- Pour it in a mixing bowl and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
- Once it is cold, mix in the red bell pepper, red onion, curry powder, yellow bell pepper, coriander, lime juice, sliced almonds, carrots, and cranberries.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. It is best served cold.
Broccoli Soup
Broccoli is known to help manage a person’s sugar levels. So have a solid start for your New Year meal with Broccoli soup. There's nothing warmer than a cup of soup on a chilly winter evening. You can even enjoy it with a side of low carb, diabetic-friendly evening snacks.
Total Cook Time: 25-30 mins
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 (10 ounces)chopped broccoli
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a big pan, warm the olive oil.
- Saute onion and garlic until tender. Mix in the broccoli and chicken broth.
- Next, you need to wait until the vegetables are tender. After bringing it to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Puree the mixture until smooth, with a hand mixer or a blender. Please put it back into the pan and reheat. You can season it with pepper, nutmeg and salt.
Diabetes-friendly Chocolate Cake
Celebrations would be incomplete without a delicious chocolate cake. For the preparation, add natural sweeteners instead of sugar. The secret to the sweetness of this cake can be diabetes-friendly chocolate which has its additions. Use this chocolate to make the frosting and relish a healthier version of your favourite chocolate cake.
Ingredients
- 150 grams Diabetic Chocolate
- 4 large eggs separated.
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
- 200 grams / 2 cups Almond Flour
- 200 grams / 1 cup - minus 2 tbsp Butter
- 8 tbsp Milk
- 2 tsp of coffee (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50 grams of sucralose-based artificial sweetener
- 1/4 tsp salt
Method
- The oven should be preheated to 180 C / 340 F.
- Mix the dry ingredients- almond flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Melt the chocolate with butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler.
- Mix the hot milk and coffee to make a paste.
- Mix the Batter. Break the egg yolks in an electric mixer bowl, add salt. Slowly add in the sugar substitute.
- Combine the coffee mixture with the chocolate mixture - then add the whipped egg yolks. Next, slowly add the almond mixture.
- In a clean greaseproof mixer, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Next, you need to fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
- Pour batter into your prepared baking pan—Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes for a single layer for the final step.
Feel the magic of this New Year by eating your favourite diabetes-friendly cake. Enjoy a sugar-free hot chocolate and give yourself a special treat. But remember, do not fall off the hook when managing your sugar levels. Prepare all your recipes after consulting your doctor/ health coach. Then, use the ingredients only after getting the proper consultation.
In case you have any second thoughts after devouring your favourite meal, do a quick sugar check and take all the necessary steps to bring your sugar levels under control. Use a sugar-testing machine or glucometer for this purpose and ensure complete diabetes management.
