Can People With Diabetes Eat Mounds Fun Size Candy? Tips for Healthy Enjoyment

Can People With Diabetes Eat Mounds Fun Size Candy?

Eating candy is often seen as off limits for people with diabetes due to the high sugar content. However, enjoying the occasional sweet treat in moderation can be part of a healthy diet for people with diabetes. Mounds is a candy that may be an option for people with diabetes looking for a sweet snack. Here is a look at whether Mounds fun size bars can fit into a diabetes-friendly eating pattern.

What Are Mounds Fun Size Candy Bars?

Mounds is a candy bar made by Hershey's that features a coconut center covered in dark chocolate. The fun size version of Mounds contains around 0.9 ounces of candy per bar.

Here are the nutrition facts for a Mounds fun size bar:

• Calories: 80
• Total fat: 5g
• Saturated fat: 3.5g
• Trans fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 20mg
• Total carbs: 11g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 9g
• Added sugars: 8g
• Protein: 1g

As you can see, the primary nutrients in Mounds fun size bars are fat and carbohydrates, mostly from sugar. Now let's look at how this candy may fit into a diabetes diet.

Can People With Diabetes Eat Mounds Fun Size?

When planning meals and snacks, people with diabetes should focus on limiting carbohydrates, especially added sugars. They also need to watch their total calorie intake to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight.

While Mounds fun size bars are high in sugar, one bar contains only 9g total sugar and 8g added sugar. This is lower than many other candy options. The 80 calories in a fun size bar is also a reasonable treat portion.

According to nutrition experts, people with diabetes can eat around 45-60g of carbohydrates per meal. They recommend limiting added sugars to around 25-50g per day. A single Mounds fun size bar fits easily within both of these recommendations.

The fat in Mounds bars is also primarily saturated and does not contain any trans fats. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to no more than 5-6% of total daily calories. One Mounds bar would account for a very small portion of this amount.

Research shows that dark chocolate like what is used in Mounds may have some health benefits as well. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Tips for Enjoying Mounds Fun Size Bars

While an occasional small Mounds bar can fit into a diabetes diet, it is important not to overdo it on any sweets. Here are some tips for enjoying Mounds fun size candy bars in moderation:

• Stick to just one bar for a snack or dessert
• Balance it out by pairing it with something protein-rich like nuts or cheese
• Only eat candy bars occasionally, not every day
• Watch portions at parties or gatherings with candy around
• Consider sharing the bar or splitting with a friend
• Savor the bar slowly instead of scarfing it down
• Pay attention to how your blood sugar responds

Mounds fun size bars can cause a slight rise in blood sugar levels. However, combining it with protein, eating slowly, and limiting portions can help blunt the spike. Monitor your blood sugar after eating a candy bar to see how your body responds.

Healthier Candy Options for Diabetes

While Mounds fun size bars are a good candy choice, there are other options that may be even better for people with diabetes. Here are some other recommended candy types:

• Sugar-free candies: Look for ones made with sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol which have less effect on blood sugar.
• Dark chocolate: Has less sugar than milk chocolate and provides antioxidants.
• Mini/fun size bars: Better portion control than regular size.
• Jelly beans: Usually around 8g carbs each so easy to fit into meal plan.
• Mints: Strong flavor so you can enjoy with just 1-2 mints.
• Lindt chocolate truffles: Only 9g carbs and 2g sugar each.

Candy options that are higher in fat and fiber tend to have less impact on blood sugar as well. Some examples include almond M&Ms, chocolate-covered almonds, or flavored dark chocolate nut bars. Pay attention to portions and combine candy with a protein source whenever possible.

How Much Candy Can People With Diabetes Eat?

It's fine for people with diabetes to eat occasional sweets like Mounds bars within the context of a healthy diet. But how much is safe to eat? Here are some tips on limiting candy with diabetes:

• Aim for less than 200 calories of candy per day
• Try to keep added sugars under 30g per day
• Only eat candy bars 2-3 times per week max
• When you do indulge, stick to a single fun size bar
• Always account for candies within your meal plan carb counts
• Test blood sugar levels after eating sweets
• Skip candy if blood sugar is not well controlled

It's all about balance - if you regularly eat large amounts of candy, it can spike blood sugar and cause weight gain. But if candy is a small part of your diet, blood sugar and weight are less likely to be affected.

Effects of Mounds Bars on Blood Sugar

When eaten in moderation, a Mounds fun size bar is unlikely to cause major spikes in blood sugar for most people with diabetes. However, individuals can respond differently.

Some tips for minimizing blood sugar swings when eating Mounds candy bars include:

• Have it with a meal or snack that contains protein and fiber
• Pair it with nuts, whole grains, or yogurt
• Eat slowly and savor - don't wolf it down!
• Drink water to help digest sugar
• Check blood sugar about 1-2 hours after eating
• Take a short walk after eating to lower blood sugar

Being active after eating candy bars can help blunt the effects on blood sugar. If your blood sugar goes higher than you'd like, consider injecting a small dose of insulin to counter the carbohydrates.

It's also a good idea to recheck blood sugar before bed to make sure it has returned to target levels after eating candy earlier in the day.

Precautions for Eating Candy With Diabetes

Here are some important health considerations when consuming candy like Mounds bars with diabetes:

• May increase triglycerides so those with high levels already should be cautious
• Can cause weight gain if eaten in excess
• Not recommended for people with uncontrolled diabetes or frequent high blood sugar
• Always brush teeth after eating to prevent cavities
• Skip candy if you are sick, as illness can increase blood sugar sensitivity
• Avoid on an empty stomach to help prevent spikes

People who need to monitor calories may prefer miniature or fun size candy bars for better portion control. Just one or two small pieces of candy per day can satisfy a sweet craving without disrupting diabetes management.

The Bottom Line

People with diabetes absolutely can eat occasional sweets like Mounds fun size candy bars

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.