Everybody loves blender smoothies, young and old alike. But people with diabetes would need to be careful in the type and amount of food they have an intake of ... and smoothies are definitely part of the foods that they should watch out for.
My grandmother - she has type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disease where the body cannot regulate glucose in the blood - loves smoothies so much, even before she was diagnosed. Her diet is now controlled with weight loss programs, exercises and oral medications in tow. But she would never give up her beloved smoothies. But instead of regular, classic smoothies (with just fruit and some milk), she was advised to include yogurt in the drink.
Smoothie
Apparently, clinical studies on yogurt and mice showed that engineered microbes and probiotics (the good bacteria) have shown much promise in Mickey's diabetic relatives. While the studies aren't conclusive yet, some diabetics have decided to have a go at it, my grandma included.
Here are some recipes that she already tried without any damaging effect on her newfound lifestyle:
- Strawberry lovers can try this with a smile on their lips: Blend 8 ounces of plain nonfat yogurt, one-fourth cup of skim milk, and 3 packets of Equal sweetener (or 1 teaspoon of Equal). With blender on, open the top lid and gradually add 3 cups of frozen strawberries. Blend until smooth. Add ice cubes and blend and process until smooth. (Nutritional value: 76 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 mg of cholesterol, 54 mg of sodium, 0 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 14 grams of sugar, 4 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates.)
- Grandma is a coffee lover and gives herself a once-a-week treat by making this smoothie: Blend 3 cups fat-free milk (not low-fat, mind you), a cup of water, half a cup of sugar-free chocolate flavored syrup, 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 quart of vanilla sugar-free and fat-free ice cream in the blender. Blend until creamy. Note: most blenders are a bit small for this recipe, so you can pour half of the coffee mix in a bowl and put in half of the ice cream. Blend until creamy; pour in a pitcher. Combine remaining chocolate mix and ice cream and repeat process. (Nutritional value: 124 calories, 2 grams of fat, 7.2 grams of protein, 25.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of dietary fiber, 2 mg of cholesterol, 125 mg of sodium.)
Diabetics are no different from non-diabetics - they still need the basic food groups, much like what other people need. So it gives them the right to enjoy what others enjoy too. Drinks up!
How to - A Fruit Smoothie For Diabetics
Low fat smoothie. Click on the link for more info.