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Health News For South West

Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Tasty and Helpful Tips for People Living with Diabetes

Ontario is reminding people to consider those living with chronic health conditions, like diabetes, when making desserts and treats this holiday season.

Dietitians at Eat Right Ontario have provided tips on how to make all those favourite family recipes healthier for everyone:

Try removing one-quarter to one-third of the sugar and/or fat in a recipe, which can often be done without making a big difference in taste.
Use fruit puree, applesauce or mashed bananas to replace some of the sugar and up to one-half of the fat in cookies and muffins.
Use lower-fat milk products in recipes. For example, replace full-fat sour cream with reduced-fat sour cream or firm yoghurt.
Replace some of the white flour with whole wheat flour.
Use vanilla, almond, maple, orange or lemon extracts for added flavour. If a recipe calls for one of these extracts, try doubling the amount for added taste.
Sweet-tasting, calorie-free spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger are another great way to add flavour.
Enjoy desserts that focus on the refreshing taste of fresh fruit, rather than rich cakes and pastries.

Smaller portions are another way to enjoy tasty foods in moderation. These holidays, with a little care, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Quick Facts:

Keeping Ontario healthy is a key component of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care.
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, it is estimated that in Ontario there are more than 1.4 million people diagnosed with diabetes (9.8 per cent of the population), and this will rise to 2.2 million (13.1 per cent of the population) by 2024.

Learn More:

For advice on diabetes-friendly food choices and recipes during the holidays, call Eat Right Ontario at 1-877-510-5102 and speak with a Registered Dietitian for free. Ask for a copy of a diabetes meal plan.
For more tips on diabetes-friendly recipes visit Eat Right Ontario.
For more information on how to manage your diabetes visit the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Quotes:

"It’s easy to eat right, stay healthy and still enjoy delicious food during the holiday season. Watching your sugar and fat intake is important not only for people with diabetes but for preventing the condition. I encourage all Ontarians to check out services and supports like Eat Right Ontario to help them live healthy active lives."

— Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

"Type 2 diabetes is preventable in many cases if we watch our diet and exercise. That’s why I would encourage folks to check out the Eat Right Ontario website. It has some great tips on how to enjoy holiday treats and still eat healthy."

— Dipika Damerla, Associate Minister of Long-Term Care and Wellness

Media Contacts:

Shae Greenfield
Minister’s Office
416-327-4306

David Jensen
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
416-314-6197