A modern Garden of Eden

Good Day, my dear glucose intolerant and diabetic friends.

I hope you are carrying your titles with charm and sweet replacing good grace.

For me 'The Garden of Eden' is synonymous with bright colours, happy people and animals, flowers and FRUIT.


If you have visited this blog before, you will know that I am a diabetic vegetarian and 
I LOVE FRUIT .



I have been on the internet rampage again to find  more advice on diabetic friendly food and/or to confirm that we are on the right way by eating fruit with a low glycemic index.  My most important support system in this quest is once again www.healthyliving.com

Warm weather means lots of luscious fruit. But if you have diabetes, you may be wondering how these seasonal treats can fit into your diet plan. Fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber and should be a part of a diabetic diet — just keep track of them as you do all your carbs. The key is to keep an eye on portion sizes and stay away from fruits canned in syrups or other types of added sugar. If you are using the glycemic index (GI) to manage your diabetes, most fruits are a good choice because they are low GI. Satisfy your sweet tooth and keep your blood sugar in check with the following fresh or frozen low-carb choices.

Berries for Antioxidants

Whether you love blueberries, strawberries, or any other type of berries, you have the go-ahead to indulge. According to the ADA, berries are a diabetes superfood because they're packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber and are low-carb. Three quarters of a cup of fresh blueberries have 62 calories and 16 grams of carbohydrates. If you can resist the urge to just pop them in your mouth, try berries in a parfait, alternating layers of fruit with plain non-fat yogurt — it makes a great dessert or breakfast.

Peaches for Potassium

Fragrant, juicy peaches are a warm-weather treat and can be included in your low-carb diabetic diet. Peaches contain vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Peaches are delicious on their own or tossed into iced tea for a fruity twist. When you want a snack, whip up a quick smoothie by pureeing peach slices with low-fat buttermilk, crushed ice, and a touch of cinnamon or ginger.

Apricots for Fiber

Sweet, low-carb apricots are a summer fruit staple and a wonderful addition to your diabetes meal plan. One apricot has just 17 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Four fresh apricots equal one serving and provide more than 70 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. These fruity jewels are also a good source of fiber. Try mixing some diced apricots into hot or cold cereal or toss some in a salad.

Apples for Vitamins

An apple a day really might keep the doctor away. A small apple is a great fruit choice, with just 54 calories and 14 grams carbohydrates. They are also loaded with fiber and a good source of Vit. C. Don't peel your apples though - the skins are full of antioxidants.

Oranges for Vitamin C

Eat one orange and you've gotten all the vitamin C you need in a day. This low-carb, low GI choice comes in at only 15 grams of carbohydrates and 62 calories. Oranges also contain folate and potassium, which can help normalize blood pressure. And while you're enjoying this juicy treat, don't forget that other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, are also great choices.

Low-Carb Kiwi

If you've never tried a low-carb kiwi, you might not know that its brown fuzzy peel hides a zesty bright green fruit. Delicious kiwi is a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. One large kiwi has about 56 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates, so it's a smart addition to your diabetic diet. Kiwis are available year-round and will last in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

In South Africa we are lucky enough to pick and choose from all the above fruits all year round. I hope I have thoroughly been able to wet your appetite for all these marvellous 'remedies' out of God's pharmacy. If you take one or two, according to size, and add them to a smoothie with yogurt and some nuts, you don't need to worry about snacks anytime soon.

ENJOY your healthy diabetic life style and I would be happy to receive some of your own recipes and/or ideas in the comment section, how to eat like a king, even under somewhat limited circumstances.

For today I remain sincerely yours,

Barbara