Diabetic? You can still have fun at Easter!

Being a diabetic at Easter can be very difficult. Especially if you are a little child. Sweets and goodies everywhere but not allowed to eat? How about those traditional Easter treats like hot cross bun s and chocolate eggs?

Having diabetes means a lot of dietary restrictions. Does this mean that diabetics cannot enjoy life in general and Easter in particular? Not at all. Here are some tips from diabetes organizations all over the world for an enjoyable Easter holiday:

• A small treat of chocolate is fine, according to Diabetes New Zealand. “Moderation is always the key message when it comes to treats and special occasions. A small amount of normal chocolate is not a problem. Limit your intake to two small squares or one small hollow egg.” The group recommends to avoid giving chocolates as Easter presents even if they are supposedly appropriate for diabetics. Give non-edible presents instead!
• Diabetes Australia – New South Wales gives us the green light for a little bit of Easter treat – as long as it is dark chocolate. It also shares some wonderful recipes, from fruit bread as an alternative to hot cross buns to Low Fat Ice Cream Cassata Slice.
• The British Diabetic Association (BDA) also does not object to a little Easter sweet. Chocolate Easter eggs are especially great for kids because they look nice and big but hollow inside. It is best that the eating the egg be spread over the whole Easter weekend rather than be eaten in one go. Like Diabetes NZ, BDA also doesn’t recommend to so-called “diabetic” Easter eggs. “They are expensive and unnecessary. Diabetic chocolate contains fructose, sorbitol or a similar sweetener which can have a laxative effect. Diabetic chocolate is also just as high in fat and calories as ordinary chocolate, and can still raise blood glucose levels.” BDA by the way, also gives a general overview on the nutritional value and safety of sugar and sweeteners.
• BDA also gives some tips on holiday celebrations and eating out. This resource gives some recommendations on planning fun but healthy parties, be it children’s birthday parties or family celebrations.

Other resources to check out (and be considered as  Easter presents)

• Festive Foods and Easy Entertaining, by the British Diabetic Association. ISBN 1-899288-70-8
• Other books on diabetes found in this site.

Happy Easter, everyone.

Photo credit: stock.xchng