The smell of chocolate is in the air with Easter being just around the corner. I’m sure you’re reminded of this every time you’ve stepped foot inside a supermarket since January! Easter can be hard for those living with Diabetes. That’s why we’ve done the research for you & spoken to some of our Diabetic Friends who have helped us put together some handy tips on staying in control of your BGL’s during this sugary period.
1. Preparation is Key
If you know that you are going to an Easter function over the long weekend, plan ahead. Offer to take a plate of nutritional snacks such as fruit kebabs using low GI fruits like apples, bananas, berries, kiwi fruit or grapes. You could also try for a platter with some yummy home-made hummus or beetroot dip (see recipe below) with some celery, zucchini & carrot sticks to use for dipping. Remember to load at least half of your plate with salad or vegetables, the remaining half with lean meat or seafood and a small about of potato or grains.
2. Sunday is Chocolate Day
The Easter Bunny comes on Sunday so try & limit the chocolate eating to that day. Only buy enough to go around so there aren’t left over’s and then you won’t be tempted later on. Gift the remaining eggs out to the neighbours if need be. Easter Eggs can be expensive so by only buying a small amount you may be able to purchase something else like a fun game or activity to get your body moving with the family to work off those eggs.
3. Easter & a Diabetic Child
The Easter Bunny doesn’t have to leave just Easter Eggs for your children. You could gift them a hollow egg paired with a book, PJ’s or a toy. There are so many Easter themed gifts out now that you aren’t limited to buying chocolate but if you do, try to avoid Easter Eggs that claim they are sugar free, these can have other side affects like diarrhea if consumed in large amounts, they are also high in fat & calories and can still raise BGL’s. Keep the children entertained with an Easter Hunt using jigsaw pieces from a puzzle, once all of the pieces are found then the kids can sit down and put the puzzle together. You could even try a fun activity like Easter Egg dyeing.
Easter only comes once a year so don’t stress too much about treating yourself, a small amount of Easter Eggs won’t affect your BGL’s too much during this period. Just remember – everything in moderation!
If you have a chronic illness like diabetes then you are eligible for 5 visits to see us per year through Medicare under the Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly EPC program).
These visits can be bulk billed through our clinic. Call your Doctor to make an appointment to get a Chronic Disease Management Plan
Homemade Hummus Recipe:
(from https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/hummus)
Ingredients
· 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained, reserve 1 tablespoon liquid
· 3-6 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon sesame tahina
· Juice of 1 lemon
· 2 teaspoons olive oil
· Pinch of cayenne pepper
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients into a blender until smooth, using 1 tablespoon chickpea liquid if necessary to make a smooth spread.
Recipe Yield: Yield: 12 servings Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
Calories: 49
Fat: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sodium: 33 milligrams
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 7 grams
Sugars: 1 grams
Homemade curried roasted beet dip recipe:
(from https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/curried-roasted-beet-hummus.html)
Ingredients:
· 4 medium sized whole fresh beets enough for about 230gms (destemmed, & washed)
· Olive oil
· 3 garlic cloves, peeled
· 2 tablespoons of tahina
· 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
· 1 tablespoon of ground sweet curry powder
· ½ tsp salt (optional)
· ¼ tsp black pepper
Method
1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C. Place unpeeled beets and garlic on a large sheet of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and fold foil to make an air tight packet. Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes or until beets are fork tender. Set aside to cool, then peel the beets.
2. Place all ingredients in a food processer & blend until desired consistency (you may like yours smooth or a little chunky)
3. Serve room temperature or chilled