Recipes for Diabetic Kids

For diabetics, carbohydrates in any form, whether sugar or pasta, must be limited to keep blood sugar levels stable. By reducing the carbohydrates in recipes kids already like, meals can be transformed fairly easily into healthy alternatives for diabetic kids. Managing diabetes successfully is about balancing carbohydrates with other key food groups like proteins and fats, and the easiest way to do that is to make simple substitutions to turn high-carbohydrate meals into lower-carbohydrate options. The following are some easy substitutions that can make any recipe more diabetes-friendly.

White rice is very rich in carbohydrates (about 1/2 cup cooked white rice has as many carbs as 1 cup cooked pasta), so avoiding rice is a good start. Instead, experiment with low-carb pastas; there are several varieties available that taste and feel just like traditional pasta with only a fraction of the carbohydrates. These pastas are ideal for making recipes diabetic kids loved before their diagnosis, and for helping them feel like they’re not sacrificing all their favorite foods.

With so many low-carb diets gaining popularity, the availability of sugar substitutes has soared. There are many varieties readily available at the supermarket, and the sugar substitutions are listed on the package. Try different brands and see what you and your child like, and then use the substitutes for your favorite baking recipes. If you prefer to avoid sugar substitutes, try simply reducing the sugar suggested in the recipe. Many cakes and cookies are just as delicious with less sugar. Try reducing the sugar by 1/3 to 1/2 and adding spices like cinnamon and vanilla to make up for the missing sweetness.

The grocery store is full of options for people watching their carb intake that can be great options for diabetic kid-friendly recipes. Ice creams, jams and yogurts can all be found with “no sugar added,” meaning the product only has the sugar that comes naturally from the fruit or milk in the ingredients. Low-carbohydrate bread is a good option for sandwiches and French toast, and pancake mix and syrup can be found in “low-carb” or “low-sugar” varieties.

Ultimately, choosing recipes for diabetic kids is about personal preference, but there are abundant resources for new meal ideas. The American Diabetes Association is a good source for more recipe suggestions, and glancing through low-carb cookbooks at the bookstore or library can also give you great ideas for recipes diabetic kids will love. Remember to check with your child’s pediatrician to come up with an individualized meal plan. General suggestions for diabetics should always be considered in context with individual needs.