Five Recipes for Kid-Friendly Diabetic Treats

Even though diabetic kids can't indulge in all the sweets they want, a few simple recipes low on sugar prove they can still eat yummy treats.

As a parent, you can make the process fun by letting kids help out in the kitchen. Not only will they eat healthier, they might find their new favorite activity.

Here are a few recipes for different types of snacks you can make without worrying too much about sugar levels. With the right diabetes care you can help your child stay healthy and happy without totally denying them snacks.

1. Peanut Butter and Jelly on a Whole-Grain English Muffin

Many kids love the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich but consider a few twists to the traditional recipe to make the snack more healthy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 half high-fiber whole-grain English muffin
• 1 tablespoon sugar-free jelly

Prep

1. Spread peanut butter over half of English muffin with as little or much peanut butter as you see fit.
2. Add sugar-free jelly to complete!

Source: Everyday Health

2. Brownie Bran Cookies

Cookies tend to contain loads of sugar but you can add a couple of ingredients to make them more healthy and just as delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 box low-fat brownie mix
• 2 1/2 cups unprocessed bran
• 3/4 orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Prep

1. Prepare two baking sheets by coating them with cooking spray.
2. Heat oven to 350 F.
3. Whisk together the brownie mix and bran. Pour in the orange juice and coconut extract and stir.
4. Use a spoon to place the dough onto the baking sheets. Tweak how large and small you want the cookies by doling out smaller or larger amounts of dough. Make sure to leave room for cookies to expand!
5. Bake for 12 minutes or until cooked through. If you want a little more sweetness, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

Source: Prevention

3. Pineapple Sundae

Yogurt can replace a lot of things we usually eat - among them ice cream. If your child doesn't like the words 'sugar-free ice cream' opt for a more creative alternative and serve yogurt instead. Add a few more ingredients and make it an interesting, new treat.

Ingredients

• Pineapple bits in juice, as they come in a can
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt
• Dry-roasted sunflower kernels

Prep

1. Place the pineapple pieces into a bowl or cup to serve
2. Top with yogurt spoonfuls
3. Garnish with sunflower kernels

Source: Allergy and Diabetic Health

4. Chocolate Pretzel and Cherry Popcorn Balls

Get your child to eat more healthy snacks by giving them new and exciting types of snacks. These pretzel and cherry popcorn balls look fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of popcorn
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut or almond butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped dark-chocolate covered pretzels
• 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries

Prep

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchement or wax paper.
2. Place popcorn in a bowl and fill another bowl with ice water.
3. Mix agave and peanut/almond butter and place over medium heat, stirring occassionally. Once the mixture bubbles, stir for 15 more seconds and then remove from heat.
4. Pour that mixture onto the popcorn and mix until well-coated. Add pretzels and cherries.
5. Wet your hands with the ice water. Make 2-inch balls with the mixture and put them on the baking sheet.
6. Wait for the balls to cool before serving or storing.

Source: Kitchen Daily

5. Fruit Popsicles

To cool down, consider making diabetic-friendly popsicles. You can make a different flavor each week for variety and even experiment with mixing flavors. Start with simple popsicles made from sugar-free juices or frozen yogurt and then have fun with recipes like this one.

Ingredients

• 6 oz fat free no sugar added strawberry yogurt
• 4 oz apple juice (could be sugar-free)
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Prep

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Place equal amounts in a popsicle mold and freeze.

Source:Health eCooking and eHow Food