Do's and Don'ts this Valentine's Day

We can’t miss the hearts, teddy bears, and the explosion of cards and chocolates in every store.  The pinks and reds are screaming, Valentine’s Day is almost here! It’s great to see, but we know that celebrating love is much more than these festive reminders.  

Like any successful partnership, marriage is measurable by the good times... and the trying times. Every obstacle you face with your partner strengthens the relationship, and each other. Having a partner with diabetes is no different! Communication is key, alongside learning how to effectively manage diabetes together. Whether that includes knowing diabetes symptoms, cooking together, and being there for moral support, there is always a place in supporting your diabetic partner, or for them to support you!

We’ve narrowed down some of the most important “do’s”, or ways to be there for a loved one with diabetes and “don’ts” the things to avoid this Valentine’s Day. Let’s get into it!

Emotional Support

Do give emotional support. Emotional Support is a key factor in successfully managing diabetes or any chronic condition. Having someone to “lean on” whether that be a friend, a neighbor or a partner is crucial. Venting about bad days, and celebrating successes are always nicer when you have someone to share with! 

Don’t bottle up your emotions.  Bottling in emotions can stress an individual with diabetes and result in raising blood sugar levels. So allowing your “person” to vent, cry, or share is great for healing, motivating, and moving forward together!

Frequent Updates

Do give frequent updates.  We know that life doesn’t always go to plan. That’s half the fun and the battle, isn’t it? Frequent updates means strong communication, and surrounds your diabetes management plan. For example, simply communicating about your diabetes meds, supplements, or the specific groceries that are in the house can help with a smooth transition for your daily management of diabetes. 

Don’t leave things to chance. Communicate with your partner so they are aware of what you need day to day.  This can help resolve any issues before they even arise! Update your partner frequently - whether you are the diabetic in the relationship, or it’s your partner, an easy chit-chat can help clear and solve many things surrounding diabetes self-management!

Tasty Recipes

Do enjoy tasty recipes together! There are some delicious ways to celebrate this week while being type 2 conscious.  These Valentine’s Day recipes you can make for yourself, make for your partner or have your partner make for you! ;). These are so delicious, maybe you’ll even feel the love so much you’ll want to share with your neighbors!

First on the list, Sugar Free Chocolate & Beetroot Fudge Cake:

Is it really Valentine’s Day without something Chocolatey?

Ingredients

• 125 ml (1/2 cup) light olive oil (not extra virgin*)
•  200 g (7oz) cooked peeled beetroot (you can buy a pack pre-cooked or roast raw ones yourself at 220C/425F/gas 7 for about 45 mins-1 hour then peel and use)
•  150 g (3/4 cup) xylitol
•  200 g (1 cup) plain full-fat natural yogurt (or unsweetened coconut yogurt for vegan)
•  2 tsp sugar free vanilla extract
•  pinch of sea salt (about 1/4 tsp)
•  200 g (2 cups) whole meal spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
•  1 1/2 tsp baking powder
•  50 g (1/2 cup) cacao powder
•  crème fraiche and fresh fruit, to serve

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F/gas 4.
2.  Grease and line a 6" (15cm) deep cake tin (you can also make this in an 8" (20cm) cake tin, but it won't be as tall a cake and you may need to reduce the baking time).
3.  Blitz the olive oil, beetroot and xylitol in a food processor until smooth.
4.  Add the rest of the cake ingredients and pulse until combined as a smooth batter.
5.  Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6.  Allow to cool*** and serve topped with crème fraiche and fresh fruit

Second on the list, Sugar-Free Chocolate Mousse

This rich and creamy deliciousness is sugar-free, and only four net carbs per serving!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon water (cold)
•  1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
•  2 tablespoons water (boiling)
•  1 cup Splenda
•  1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
•  1/8 teaspoon salt
•  1 cup heavy whipping cream
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  Optional: 1 cup whipped cream (lightly sweetened with Splenda)
•  Optional: 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Gather the ingredients.
2.  Chill a medium-size mixing bowl in the refrigerator.
3.  Meanwhile, place the cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle with gelatin and let it stand for 1 minute.
4.  Add boiling water and stir the mixture until the gelatin is dissolved. Set that bowl aside.
5.  In the chilled bowl, combine Splenda, cocoa powder, salt, whipping cream, and vanilla until roughly mixed together. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat mixture until it becomes stiff. Do not over-beat or you will end up with butter.
6.  Beat in the gelatin mixture until it is combined. Again, take care not to over-beat or you will lose the texture.
7.  Spoon the mousse into a decorative dessert dish or martini glasses and chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
8.  Top with whipped cream lightly sweetened with Splenda and a sprinkling of cocoa powder if desired! Voila!

Don’t overdo your hard work or progress.  Remember that even alternative, sugar free recipes should still be enjoyed in moderation. Delicious desserts should be saved for special occasions and consumed in limited amounts. Don’t forget to keep track of your daily intake of calories and know how to read nutrition labels. 

There you have it, the do’s and don’ts we all need to remember while enjoying Valentine’s Day this year.  It can be a positive and romantic day, and showing acts of kindness can really help make your partner feel special and seen.  

Additionally, Valentine’s Day is known for giving and receiving some of the most beautiful and colorful flowers that are bound to make anyone’s day! Research some local small business flower shops in your area and support them while making your partner happy!

Whether you want to spread the love, or receive a little extra love this week, our online community Winning Type 2 Diabetes Together is a great place to connect and support each other.  We hope this Valentine’s Day brings you love and joy.