Ice cream is not necessarily off limits when you are suffering from diabetes. Although it is best to enjoy it in moderation, there are certain types of ice cream and frozen yogurt that will not at all derail your healthful diet. Nevertheless, it is important that you make informed decisions on the type of ice cream that you should eat.
Understanding Ice Cream
Most varieties of ice cream are loaded with sugar, which is why people with diabetes should avoid it. One of the first things to think of when eating ice cream is the sugar content. Diabetes patients must understand how their indulgence to ice cream will fit into their diet plan. Here are some important ice cream facts to consider.
- Every four grams of sugar is equal to one teaspoon
- The more sugar that an ice cream has, the more carbohydrates it has.
- A serving of ice cream that has about 15 grams of carbohydrates is equivalent to one serving of carbohydrates. Any carbohydrate found in ice cream can count towards your overall carbohydrate intake for the day, which is usually different from one person to another.
- The fats and protein found in ice cream can help in the slow absorption of sugar. Thus, choosing an ice cream that’s high in fats and proteins might be more beneficial than the lower fat option.
How to Choose Ice Cream for Diabetes
When choosing an ice cream, be prepare to be overwhelmed by the number of choices in your grocery stores. The best ice cream for those with diabetes should have the lowest sugar content and should not rely on any artificial sweeteners. To determine the amount of sugar in your ice cream, find out the number of carbohydrates at the label as well as on the ingredient’s list.
For people with diabetes, the best choice of ice cream is one that has less than 20 gram of overall carbohydrates in ½ cup serving.
Conclusion
When eating ice cream, it is important to know the amount of carbohydrates in every serving of ice cream. It is also recommended to spend some time walking after your ice cream to help lower your post meal blood sugar.
If you are working with a dietitian, voice out your desire to add ice cream to your diet plan. With enough research and making a few sacrifices, adding ice cream into your diet should not be a problem.
