february 2004

Treats for the Cold Weather

Snacks are an important part of every kid's life, including those with diabetes. For them, snacks are an integral part of their daily meal plan to keep their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. All boys and girls who take insulin shots have to eat an afternoon and evening snack. Some are told by their doctor or dietician to also eat a morning snack.
Good snacks are derived from these food groups:
  • Bread/Starch + Milk
  • Bread/Starch + Meat
  • Fruit + Milk
  • Fruit + Meat
  • Vegetables + Milk
  • Vegetables + Meat
Some quick snack suggestions that kids will love-
  1. Remove the core of a small apple, replacing it with natural-style peanut butter. Cut into wedges and enjoy.
  2. In a small cup, cream together 2 tablespoons soft low-fat cream cheese with 1 tablespoon shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, and a dash of chili powder. Use as a dip for 1 breadstick.
  3. Mix together 2 cups puffed corn cereal, 2 cups round toasted oat cereal, 1 cup small fish-shaped cheese crackers, 1 cup chow mein noodles. Spread on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons canola oil. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon buttermilk ranch-flavored salad dressing mix. Toss to evenly coat. Place in a preheated 350° F oven for 10 minutes, stirring once after 5 minutes. Makes about 6 cups. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Serve 1 cup for a snack, teamed with 1 glass skim milk or cup of hot cocoa (see recipe below).
  4. Spread 1/2 of an English muffin with a little jarred pizza sauce. Top with grated cheese and a slice of pimiento-stuffed or ripe olive. Broil or microwave on HIGH until cheese melts.
  5. Fill celery sticks with low-fat cream cheese or natural-style peanut butter and top with a few raisins to make the ever-popular "Ants on a Log."
  6. Spray 3 cups of hot, freshly air-popped popcorn with butter cooking spray. Lightly sprinkle with chili powder and dust with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve at once.
Here's a sugar-free mix to keep on hand for instant hot cocoa.

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup lower-fat powdered nondairy creamer
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (like Hershey's)
1 tablespoon Splenda or Equal sugar substitute
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Mix together all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

For each serving, in a heatproof mug, stir together 3/4 cup boiling water and 1/3 cup cocoa mix. Stir until dissolved.

Diabetic exchanges: 1 skim milk (17 g. carbohydrate)

FTG

Diabetic-Lifestyle Just for Kids is an informative resource for parents of children with diabetes, offering kid-tested recipes and practical help. Diabetic-Lifestyle offers recipes, menus, medical updates, entertaining, travel - practical information to enhance life while managing diabetes on a daily basis. - Home