Should I eat this or not? This questions instantly pops in your mind when you look at any dish or drink for if you are a diabetes patient. That extra concern and consciousness is good but many a times you have to compromise on your favorite food and drinks because of your condition. Sometimes, diabetes patients thinks that only sweet drinks can cause a hike in blood sugar level which is a completely wrong perception. Even fruit juices which you think is totally safe for you can also elevate your blood sugar because fruits juices are devoid of any fiber (unlike the whole form of fruit) which controls the blood sugar level so you are suggested to take whole fruit instead of its juice. Now the question arises that is there some drink which you can have without worrying over your condition. The answer is yes.
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Here are 11 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Diabetics which can refresh you and your mood with their taste without effecting your condition.
1. Chocolate Milk
Chocolates are tasty and when it meet milk it becomes tastier and healthier and that’s why many people drink milk after their workout to rehydrate the body and replenish the stock of minerals and vitamins in the body. Check label of your low fat chocolate milk and if it contains 20g carbohydrate per serving then it is a good option. You can also make it by yourself by adding two teaspoon of cocoa powder to fresh milk and no calorie sweetener for taste.
2. Herbal tea
Everybody knows about the health benefits of herbal tea (lemon tea, jasmine tea, hibiscus tea etc.) and therefore many health conscious people has replaced their regular cup of milk tea or coffee with herbal tea. This is healthy because it contains many antioxidants, refreshing, low calorie, caffeine free and sugar free (a feature which you were looking for). Try to avoid the powdered form because it generally contains added sugar so always check the label before purchasing it.
3. Chai Latte
Have you tasted the sweet, spicy, fragrant and creamy chai latte? If yes then you must have been impressed with the taste and if no then you should give it a try. You can make it at your home by steeping one or two tea bags into unsweetened almond milk. For the spicy part, use cinnamon or black pepper and add grounded cardamom for flavor. A warm treat with calorie less than 1g carbohydrate is ready for you to taste.
4. Orange juice
Orange is a tangy flavored thirst quencher but the concentrate juice can add 15g of sugar into your body. Eating its whole form is recommended because its high fiber content keep the blood sugar level in control. If you still opt for its juice then you should dilute it with chilled water. You can also try raw vegetable juices which are more beneficial in your condition.
5. Fruit smoothie
The best way of relishing different fruits all together but it can 25-35g of sugar per serving therefore you can add ice while making smoothie or dilute it with milk. You can try berry smoothie containing different berries like blueberries, strawberries with banana along with some ice cubes to reduce the sugar content.
6. Lemonade
The best way to beat the heat outside or refresh yourself after a tiring day. Just a glass of chilled water, fresh lemon juice, zero calorie sweetener and ice is required to make you a safe and refreshing drink. You can also add cucumber or mint leaves for extra flavor.
7. Hot chocolate
Craving for your favorite cup of hot chocolate but you that it can add 50-75g of sugar into your blood as soon as you will drink it. So what do you think, how to put off the craving. Either you order for a small cup of hot chocolate which will slashed the sugar content to half or rather go for a cappuccino with dusting of cocoa powder. You can also choose a low calorie hot chocolate which provides less than 40g of sugar.
8. Milk shake
A glass of milk shake at the fast food joint is a threat to your blood sugar but a healthier version which consists of skimmed milk blended with fresh fruits is best option for you to start your day. So go for it and put off your cravings.
9. Energy drink
It is recommended to take energy drink when you feel a drop in your blood sugar but there are many sugar free drinks which you can try when you feel like having one after a tiring day. But you have limit your caffeine to less than 400mg a day to give you such treat.
10. Ginger ale
Normal ginger ale provides 43g of carbs and 166 calories but its healthier version or ‘diet ginger ale’ is totally carb free drink. To make it at home, just add finely grated ginger to glass of carbonated water and add zero calorie sweetener and your ginger ale is ready to treat your senses.
11. Mocha coffee
Your favorite cup of coffee in cafe can load you with 400 calories and 70g of sugar but a homemade mocha coffee made with low fat can give you the same taste and put off your cravings. So just add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoon of skimmed milk and zero calorie sweetener to a cup of brewed coffee and your favorite drink is ready to get savored by you.