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Diabetic cooking can be tricky. The goal is to make food that is as delicious to the body as it is to the taste buds. Diabetics have special dietary needs as there are certain things that need to be increased and certain things that need to be taken out of the diet. Two such substances are sugar and salt. But while monitoring these two substances, how do you keep your food flavorful? Read below for more on how important it is to monitor sugar and salt, as well as tips on how to keep your food spicy and fun!

Cut Out the Sugar

Diabetic cooking must take sugar into consideration. Sugar is the understood “white death” of diabetes, reeking havoc on blood glucose levels. One of, if not the key to keeping diabetes in check is regulating the intake of sugar. A great way to cut sugar is to use sugar substitutes such as Splenda, Equal or Sweet ‘N Low in beverages such as coffee or tea. These companies have also created versions of their sweetener that can be used in baking items such as cookies and cakes.

In addition to steering clear of refined sugars, it’s also important to watch carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be found in foods like pasta, rice, bread, potatoes, etc. Keeping tabs on how many carbohydrates you are eating can help keep your glucose levels regulated.

Laying Off the Salt

In addition to sugar, it is also important to keep high amounts of salt out of your diabetic cooking as salt is influential in raising blood pressure. It has been noted in a study by the University of Virginia that individuals with diabetes are two times more likely to struggle with heart disease. The combination of the two increases the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. Keeping your diabetic cooking free of excess salt can help keep your blood pressure down. It’s not just the amount of salt that you shake on your food, but also the amount of sodium found in process foods. Both should be monitored and considered.

Spice It Up!

As with all types of cooking, diabetic cooking sometimes needs a little spice. Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and new ways of doing things. Consider subscribing to a magazine that gives ideas and tips on how to livening up your diabetic cooking. Remember that there are sugar and salt substitutes available that can help flavor your food. Herbs and spices are also great ways to increase the excitement of your food without altering your blood sugar.