Diwali is the time for celebrations, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious sweets. But for those who need to manage their blood sugar levels, indulging in festive treats can seem like a tricky balancing act. The good news is, that you don’t have to completely avoid sweets to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. With a few strategies, we can enjoy the sweetness of Diwali while keeping our blood sugar in check. Here are 5 unique tips to help us enjoy those festive treats without overloading on sugar.
Pair sweets with fibre-rich foods
The absorption of sugar into the bloodstream can be slowed down by consuming sweets with meals high in fiber, such as whole grains, nuts, or seeds. For example, serve a few walnuts or a handful of almonds beside a piece of Diwali mithai. Because it supports a longer, more steady release of glucose, the fiber in these foods helps to avoid sudden rises in blood sugar. Nuts’ healthful fats can also help you feel filled for longer, which lessens the desire to overeat.
Choose sweets with natural sweeteners
Whenever possible, choose sweets made with natural sweeteners like dates, jaggery, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar. The alternatives raise blood sugar levels more slowly than conventional sugar because they have a lower glycemic index. These healthier substitutes can be used to make a variety of classic Diwali sweets, providing the same mouthwatering flavor with a lower blood sugar impact. However, keep in mind that they still include sugars that can impact your blood sugar levels if you take them in excess.
Use fenugreek seeds (methi) for their blood sugar-lowering properties
Fenugreek seeds are known for their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. Before enjoying Diwali sweets, you could drink a glass of water soaked with fenugreek seeds overnight. This water helps control glucose levels naturally. Alternatively, adding a small amount of fenugreek powder into homemade sweets can also help offset the blood sugar impact.
Try intermittent tasting instead of continuous Eating
Rather than having a full serving of sweets in one go, try intermittent tasting. This means only consuming a bite or two and then resting for at least half an hour before consuming another tiny serving. This method avoids abrupt jumps in blood glucose levels by giving your body time to metabolize the sugar gradually. It helps you to get caught up in several sweets throughout the day without going overboard with sugar at once.
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Add a dash of cinnamon to your sweets
Believe it or not, cinnamon can be a great ally in managing blood sugar levels. It has been discovered that this spice increases insulin sensitivity, which helps the body’s efficient use of glucose. Consider adding a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon to laddoos, halwa, or other goodies if you’re making Diwali sweets at home. Before eating, you can even add a little to store-bought candies. It may lessen the blood sugar surge that occurs after eating anything sweet, in addition to adding a cozy, celebratory flavor.