There are few things sweeter than a Valentine’s Day surprise. But if your sweetheart has diabetes, finding the right level of sweet can be a struggle. You’re looking to raise their spirits, not their blood sugar!
If creating the perfect diabetes-friendly Valentine’s Day is more trial than treat, you’re in luck. With some thoughtful preparation, you and your honey can enjoy all the sweetness of the holiday of love without overloading on sugar. Try these five tasty and diabetic-friendly treats to add something special to your Valentine’s Day.
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries
This is a classic Valentine’s Day treat, but with a diabetes-friendly twist! Simply melt dark chocolate chips or pieces in the microwave and let cool slightly. Dip fresh strawberries into the melted chocolate and place on parchment paper to set. Once hardened and cooled, you’re free to dig-in!
Dark chocolate has less sugar and fewer calories than milk chocolate, making it a smart dose of sweetness for diabetics. It also contains antioxidants, which can also help reduce inflammation and improve heart health!
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is another classic dessert that everyone loves, especially on Valentine’s Day. To make this treat friendly for diabetics, you can use sugar-free angel food cake or sponge cake as the base. Top it off with fresh strawberries and whipped cream or a light cream cheese frosting for a delicious yet healthy dessert.
PB & J Hearts
For a healthier take on peanut butter cups, try this PB & J hearts recipe! Take two slices of whole wheat bread and cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter. Spread peanut butter over one slice of bread and spread sugar-free jam over the other slice. (You can also slice fresh strawberries for an even healthier treat.) Place them together like a sandwich and use a fork to crimp the edges of each sandwich to create an even seal. Use a cookie-cutter to cut your treat into small hearts for cute and easy snacking.
This treat is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats – perfect for people with diabetes who need to watch their blood sugar levels!
Not-So Guilty Brownies
These not-so guilty pleasures are made with unsweetened cocoa and rich chocolate extract for a decadent, diabetes-friendly dessert. They only have 80 calories and 3 grams of fat, making them a sensible Valentine’s Day sweet. You can even swap the sugar for a healthy substitute like Splenda for an even smarter treat!
Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dip
There’s a reason so many candies get their flavors from fruit – when it comes to sweetness, our natural produce reigns supreme. To cut back on added sugar, why not go right to the source? Simply combine their favorite fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, pineapple chunks, kiwi slices, and blueberries in a bowl. Mix together plain Greek yogurt and a touch of honey or agave syrup to make a creamy dip that pairs perfectly with the sweet-but-tangy taste.