How to Make Appetizers for a Diabetic - Appetizers for Diabetics

How to Make Appetizers for a Diabetic
eHow.com
by RaeWrites, Ehow Editor

When planning a get together, hosts work hard to ensure a delicious menu that everyone can enjoy. Facing special dietary needs, like diabetes, can feel like a daunting task for even the most experienced host. However, with a little planning, making diabetic friendly appetizers does not need to be stressful. Aim for naturally low-sugar or low-carb choices and your diabetic guests should be able to gobble up delicious appetizers without regret. Just make sure they save some room for the main course.

Things You'll Need

* Cheeses
* Vegetables
* Higher fiber fruits
* Meats
* Whole grain crackers, breads and tortillas
* Optional: Diabetic cookbook

Step One
Choose cheese. Offer sliced or cubed cheeses with whole grain crackers or breads. Prepare a low-carb fondue for serving with cubed meats or veggies. Make a melted or spicy cheese dip to go alongside sliced vegetables or whole grain chips.

Step Two
Make up an array of sliced vegetables in a variety of colors. Rinse thoroughly and slice into short strips or bite size pieces. Arrange in a pleasing manner on trays with an assortment of tasty dips. Include vegetables with a natural variety of shapes like broccoli, baby corn and cherry tomatoes.

Step Three
Make a fruit tray. Select fruits with higher fiber contents, such as apples, oranges, pears and strawberries. Leave skins on whenever possible and appropriate. Serve with low-sugar fruit dips.

Step Four
Make mini-wraps. Prepare healthy, full-size wraps and cut into quarters or fifths. Use toothpicks to maintain their shapes. To be extra glucose friendly, make with whole grain tortillas instead of the typical flour or corn tortilla.

Step Five
Use meats. Offer chopped or sliced meats on the tray with the sliced or cubed cheeses and whole grain crackers. Prepare mini kabobs from lean chicken or beef and grilled veggies.

Step Six
Prepare healthy, mini sandwiches. Make regular sandwiches on whole grain bread using lean meats, vegetables and limited amounts of mayo. Cut into several smaller pieces and spear through with decorated toothpicks. Prepare several varieties and arrange on an appetizer tray.

Overall Tips & Warnings

* Keep lots of water available. Water is especially important for people with diabetes.
* When preparing a fruit plate, watch out for fruits with lots of sugar and very little fiber. Verify the nutritional content of fruits ahead of time.
* Avoid getting stressed out about preparing diabetic friendly appetizers. Stick to healthy foods and the diabetic friend, family member or guest should have no problem finding excellent foods to snack on.

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