Understanding Calories in Top Pot Doughnuts
Top Pot Doughnuts are a delicious Pacific Northwest treat that have been delighting taste buds since the first shop opened in Seattle in 2002. However, doughnuts are a high-calorie food that people with diabetes need to be mindful of. This article will discuss calories and nutrition facts for Top Pot Doughnuts to help you make informed decisions if you have type 2 diabetes.
The Basics of Top Pot Doughnuts
Top Pot Doughnuts was founded by Mark and Jackie Klebeck, a couple with a passion for quality doughnuts made from scratch. The shops offer a wide array of doughnut flavors, including cake doughnuts, old fashioned doughnuts, fritters and more. Customer favorites include the maple bar, old fashioned glazed, creme brulee and raspberry fritter.
In addition to doughnuts, Top Pot also serves coffee drinks, breakfast sandwiches and other pastries like muffins and cinnamon rolls. They now have over 20 locations throughout Washington and Oregon.
Are Doughnuts Good For Diabetes?
In short, no - doughnuts are not considered a good food choice for people with diabetes. Let's look at why:
- High in refined carbohydrates - Doughnuts are made from all-purpose flour, which acts quickly to spike blood sugar levels.
- High in fat - Doughnuts are deep fried in oil, resulting in a high fat content.
- Low in fiber - There is little to no fiber in doughnuts to slow digestion.
- High glycemic index - The combination of refined carbs and sugar gives doughnuts a very high glycemic index.
- Empty calories - Doughnuts provide calories but minimal nutritional value.
For people with diabetes, it's important to minimize processed refined carbs and foods high on the glycemic index. Doughnuts certainly fall into that category.
Top Pot Doughnut Nutrition Facts
Now that we know doughnuts aren't the best choice, let's look at the calorie and nutrition counts for some popular Top Pot doughnut flavors:
Old Fashioned Glazed
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 3g
Maple Bar
Calories: 340
Total Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 3g
Creme Brulee
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 4g
As you can see, most Top Pot doughnuts contain between 290-400 calories. They are all high in carbohydrates, fat, and calories but low in protein. The creme brulee has the highest calorie count.
Healthier Options at Top Pot
If you do indulge in a doughnut from Top Pot, some varieties may be better options than others:
- Old fashioned - Without icing or filling, these have slightly fewer calories and carbs.
- Doughnut holes - The miniature size means a lower calorie count.
- Cake doughnuts - These tend to be lighter and have less fat than yeast doughnuts.
You can also create a healthier balanced meal by pairing your doughnut with protein from eggs, yogurt or nut butter and fiber from fresh fruit or whole grains.
Tips For Indulging With Diabetes
If you really want to occasionally indulge in doughnuts, here are some tips for people with diabetes:
- Share one doughnut with a friend or family member.
- Order a small coffee rather than large to limit excess calories.
- Balance your meal with protein and fiber. For example, yogurt with berries.
- Account for the carbs and dose insulin if taking.
- Walk for 10-15 minutes after eating to help manage blood sugar.
- Limit treats to special occasions rather than daily habit.
Healthy Homemade Alternatives
If you love doughnuts but want a healthier treat, there are many recipes for baked doughnuts using whole grain flours and natural sweeteners. Here are some ideas:
Baked Old Fashioned Doughnuts
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, Greek yogurt, egg, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon.
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts
Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, apple cider, apple sauce, baking soda, cinnamon.
Baked Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, egg whites, baking powder, pumpkin spice.
These baked versions remove the oil for fat and incorporate more fiber. You can adjust sugar and ingredients to fit your dietary needs.
The Bottom Line
Top Pot makes delicious artisan doughnuts, but they aren't the best choice for people with type 2 diabetes due to the high carb, sugar and fat content. If you do indulge occasionally, portion control and pairing with protein and fiber can help minimize the impact on your blood sugar. Better yet - try baking healthy versions at home!
FAQs
Why are doughnuts bad for diabetes?
Doughnuts are high in refined carbohydrates, fat, and calories but low in fiber and protein. This combination results in spiked blood sugar levels. The refined carbs act quickly and the lack of fiber slows digestion. Doughnuts also have a very high glycemic index.
What is the healthiest doughnut to eat with diabetes?
The healthiest doughnut options for diabetes are old fashioned, cake doughnuts or doughnut holes. These tend to be lighter and lower in calories, fat, and carbs than filled or frosted yeast doughnuts.
Can I eat a doughnut if I have diabetes?
You can occasionally eat small portions of doughnuts if you have diabetes. To minimize blood sugar impact, balance it with protein and fiber, walk after eating, account for carbs in your meal plan, and limit portion size to one small or mini doughnut.
Is it OK to eat doughnuts for breakfast with diabetes?
Eating doughnuts for breakfast is not the best option for diabetes due to the spike in blood sugar to start the day. It's better to balance carb-heavy foods across meals. If you do indulge at breakfast, combine it with protein like eggs or yogurt.
Can I make healthier doughnuts at home?
Yes, there are many recipes for baked doughnuts using whole grain flours, natural sweeteners, pumpkin, and apple sauce to increase nutrition. These homemade versions remove oil and decrease carb content for a less sugary option.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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