Diabetic Diet: Easy Fudge Recipes

Diabetic diet is a specially designed diet plan for diabetic people. Diabetes is a major health problem, caused by increased blood sugar levels. Right balance of adequate medications, appropriate diabetic diet and regular exercises is essential in order to cope with diabetes. It is a misconception that diabetic diet means a totally sugar-free diet. In fact, a diabetic person needs adequate nutrition, similar to that of a non-diabetic person. Diabetic food pyramid constitutes a perfect combination of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It allows the consumption of various kinds of nutritious foods in moderate amounts. Intake of a controlled amount of carbohydrates helps in maintaining constant blood sugar levels throughout the day. People with type-1 diabetes or type-2 diabetes can have low-fat foods including lean meats and fish as well as low-carbohydrate foods like non-starchy vegetables, grains and fresh fruits that are low in sugar such as apple, banana, guava and orange. Diabetic people are advised to frequently consume small amounts of food throughout the day.

It is observed that diabetic people often have a craving for sweets. Can diabetic people eat desserts and sweets? Yes, it's possible. It is not necessary that diabetics should completely avoid eating sweets. They can look for selective alternatives to their favorite sweets and desserts. Sugar-free fudge is a good example of a dessert that can be included in a diabetic diet plan. Fudge is a dry, smooth version of fondant. It is one of the most popular desserts, made from a mixture of milk, butter and sugar. Cocoa or chocolate can be added for rich flavor. The following are some easy fudge recipes for diabetics.

Recipe #1

Ingredients

1 env. gelatin
¾ tsp liquid sweetener
½ cup milk powder
¼ cup water
¼ cup chopped nuts
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1 sq unsweetened chocolate
½ tsp vanilla
¼ cup water

Preparation

Dissolve gelatin in a cup of water and stir for about 5 minutes. In a saucepan, melt chocolate along with liquid sweetener and cinnamon.

The cup of water and milk powder should be added gently to the chocolate mixture. Add gelatin to this mixture. Keep stirring continuously, until gelatin is completely dissolved.

Then, the pan should be removed from heat. Add vanilla to this mixture and allow it to cool down. Add nuts, when the mixture starts to thicken. Transfer the mixture into a cooling pan. When it becomes firm, cut into small squares.

Recipe #2

Ingredients

¼ cup margarine
24 packets Equal sugar substitute
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts

Preparation

Lightly grease a pan with non-stick spray. Place margarine in a saucepan and melt it over low heat. Add chocolate to it and stir, until the chocolate melts. Remove the pan from heat and add vanilla and sweetener to it.

Mix the cream cheese and the chocolate mixture together. Beat it well, until it becomes smooth. Then add walnuts.

Spread the mixture in the greased pan and refrigerate it, until it becomes firm.

Recipe #3

Ingredients

1 cup 2 percent milk
½ cup sweetener equal to ½ cup sugar
1 cup water
5 tbsp unflavored gelatin
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp brandy extract

Preparation

In a small saucepan, mix together milk and cocoa powder and whisk, until cocoa powder is completely dissolved in milk. Make sure that there are no lumps of cocoa. Heat this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it becomes thick.

In another saucepan, add gelatin into the water and mix it well. Allow it to stand for about 5 minutes. Heat this mixture over low heat, until gelatin is completely dissolved.

Pour gelatin into the milk and cocoa mixture. Then, add sweetener and brandy extract. Keep stirring continuously. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a greased pan. Refrigerate the mixture, until it becomes firm and then, cut it into squares.

A diabetic person can satisfy his/her fondness for sweets, control blood sugar levels and maintain healthy weight with these easy fudge recipes.