Consider the energy balance paradox that exists in our bodies. For most of us, even without much conscious effort, our bodies maintain a constant weight. This is despite huge variations in how much we eat. For a proportion of people who are overweight this apparent bal despite every fad diet, every exercise program, even operations and medications, body weight can steadily increase over the years, regardless of all apparent efforts to control it.

It has always been said that our weight is a result of how much we take in and how much we burn up. So, if we take in too much (overeat) and don’t burn up enough (don’t exercise) we are likely to put on weight.

The question is: how much, of what, is too much? The answer is not a simple one: not all foods that we eat are equal and no two bodies are the same.

People are overweight for many different reasons. Some people believe they only ‘have to look at food’, others put on weight from ‘just walking past the patisserie’, others blame themselves because they eat too much. It is clear that a combination of social, genetic, dietary, metabolic, psychological (and emotional) factors combine to influence our weight.

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In planning a birthday party for your child you should consider:-

(a) Timing: Parties for younger children are often held during the afternoon. However you may find a party over mealtime more satisfactory, as more carbohydrate exchanges can be allowed. Remember that your child will be excited and no doubt running around and so will require additional carbohydrate exchanges in order to prevent hypoglycemia. You could also allow a little extra carbohydrate and adjust it at the next meal. Do not try to save carbohydrate exchanges from earlier in the day.

(b) Type of party: This will influence the types of foods served. As children become older, barbecues, sausage sizzles etc., may be appropriate or perhaps you may consider eating out.

(c) Suitable foods: All food prepared should be suitable for the child with diabetes. It is important that food is attractive and tastes good. Diet drinks are suitable for all guests. Emphasis should be placed on savory foods.

Nibbles could include cut up raw vegetables and dips, chips, twisties, pretzels, or savory shape type biscuits. Party favourites such as party pies, sausage rolls, cocktail frankfurts, sandwiches are also suitable.

After the savory foods a few artificially sweetened foods could be placed on the table. Diet jelly can be used in a variety of ways. Many of your own recipes can be adapted for use in a diabetic diet e.g. chocolate crackles, cream puffs. (Refer recipe section).

The birthday cake should not create any problems. Suitable alternatives could include:

1.     Sponge or cake prepared with artificial sweetener as a substitute for sugar and decorated with whipped cream, or a cream cheese frosting. A small amount of grated chocolate or 100′s & 1000′s could be used for decoration.

2.     Ice-cream cake — prepared commercially or at home.

3.     Sponge prepared using a minimum of sugar would be acceptable for special occasions. The amount of sugar used should be included in estimating the carbohydrate content of the recipe Decorations similar to cake prepared with artificial sweetener would be suitable.

Note: 15 g sugar = 1 carbohydrate exchange

Birthday cake            

Number of Exchanges

4 eggs                     -

180 g Flour self raising     9

1/3 cup sweetaddin                -

1/3 cup hot water                -

Vanilla essence                -

Separate eggs. Beat whites until stiff but still shiny. Add sweetener, then egg yolks one at a time. Add sifted flour. Pour water and vanilla essence down the side of the mixture. Fold in flour. Pour mixture into 20 cm sponge sandwich tins. Bake in moderate over for 20 minutes.

Total = 9 carbohydrate exchanges.

Cut into 8 serves. Each serve = 1 carbohydrate exchange.

Decorate as desired using any of the following: Carbohydrate modified jam, diet jelly, whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, chopped nuts, grated chocolate, or coconut.

Cream cheese frosting

3oz low fat creamed cottage cheese (Not American Style) 1 tablespoon milk Artificial sweetener to taste Lemon juice to taste Artificial colouring (if desired) Mix all ingredients together, beat with wooden spoon. Using as icing for patty cakes or sponge. Recipe contains negligible amount of carbohydrate.

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