Treating Yourself to Summer!

For diabetics and non-diabetics alike, summer can be a difficult time to eat healthier. There are so many picnics, bonfires, potlucks, get-togethers, and so forth. It can be hard to say 'no' because, after all, it's summer, right? It's a time to relax and have fun...not think about good vs bad food. But I have been coming up with some options for myself that might work for you as well. (Some of these ideas are centered around a diabetic lifestyle and some are not.)


~ "Sticking" to Portions: I love fruit so much! And this is a food that is a necessity for any healthy lifestyle. However, unfortunately it has carbs. So here's an idea to make sure that you aren't overdoing it on the fruit carbs when entertaining guests for a summer get-together. Instead of making a fruit salad in a large bowl, when it can be easily overeaten (and overcarbed), put together Fruit Kebobs! Put the amount of fruit that is your carb serving on each stick, then enjoy! It is also a fun and creative way to serve a meal also. (This idea can certainly apply to meat, potatoes, vegetables, or other foods that you can put on a stick. :) )

~Cool and FREE: There are so many ways to stay cool in the summer and not consume carbs or fat. Obviously, if you go to the store, you can find sugar-free popsicles which is a FREE FOOD! But eating sixteen of those a day can get a little old and boring. Here are some options that you can do from home to mix it up a little bit.

  - Coffee: I'm am avid coffee drinker. Iced coffee is a great way to cool down in these hot summer days. It's simple: Glass full of ice, pour coffee on said ice, add creamer to said mixture, stir, and enjoy. Another option is as follows: Get some popsicle making containers, pour coffee with creamer into the container and freeze. It's a tasty treat that will cool you down and give you the much needed coffee fix! 

  - Popsicles: While store bought popsicles are good, they do contain a slight amount of carbs so you can just sit with the whole box and eat them all. Here's a way that you can eat as many popsicles as you would like without worrying about counting any carbs. Mix together your favorite flavor of a sugar-free drink mix. Put that mixture into the popsicle making containers that you have. Freeze and enjoy. (Fun tip: Make a few different flavors that would taste good together and make layered popsicles!)


There will be more ideas to come on this subject. But meanwhile, enjoy these summer days and stay cool!