Here is a question I received from FOODPICKER.org
I have type 2 diabetes. I’m kind of addicted to jawbreaker candy (especially fireballs). How harmful is it to eat these candies and what alternatives should I try… Is fruit a good alternative?
Answer:
A piece of jawbreaker candies is about 10 grams of carbohydrates and no other nutrients. Fruits are definitely a good alternative. Fruits contain about the same amount of carbohydrates in one serving. They also give you the taste of sweetness, but they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, phytochemicals, and other nutrients.
To cut down the amount of jawbreaker candy you eat and to avoid craving could be your first step. For instance, take only a small portion of the fireballs into a separate sandwich bag, and that will be the maximum amount you can eat for the whole day. You will find that when there is a limited number, you would feel more appreciable and enjoyable when eating them. You might find that this strategy does not make you feel unhappy, instead, it increases your feelings of satisfaction when eating these candies.
Another even better suggestion is to replace the candies with healthier snacks, such as fresh fruits or vegetables. Make your fresh fruits and vegetables easy to be accessed. For example, always keep a couple of washed apples in the fridge, or store a bowl of cut-up fruits ahead and serve later as your healthy “sweets” when you need something sugary.
If you still can’t give up the candy-like taste, sugar-free candies can be another alternative. These sugar-free products replace the sugar by artificial sweeteners which provide no or little carbohydrates and calories. However, because of their slow absorption from the intestines, people may suffer from gaseous or laxative problems. Therefore, although sugar-free products have little carbohydrates, a large amount is not recommended either.
