Sugar-free Christmas treats?

[spellweaver16]

My uncle has had gastric bypass and I do know that patients are often sensitive to overly sugary things. So instead of the usual cookies or cake I bring to my family for Christmas, I would like to get some yummy sugar-free treats to share with everyone, so that my uncle can partake as well. I'd like to keep it around $50. Suggestions, anyone?

[Ruth Lafler]

First, you should ask and find out specifically what your uncle's dietary restrictions are. Everyone is different in what they can tolerate, either from a physical point of view or a taste point of view. When people give my diabetic sister sugar-free "diabetic" treats, she smiles, thanks them and throws them away.

If you really care about pleasing your uncle, ask! He may have other restrictions beyond sugar -- for example, I was going to suggest a selection of nuts, which are great for diabetics, but I don't know if they're suitable for someone post-gastric bypass. Nice cheeses would be good, or a combination of nuts and cheeses. Treats don't have to be sweet!

[spellweaver16]

I've been thinking about getting beef jerky or some nice fruit. I did get cheese last year along with the sweets, some smoked gouda, and it went over really well. I'll have to think about it.

[jlafler]

I do wait until after the giver is no longer around before I dispose of "diabetic" treats. :-)

But I do second the idea of asking your uncle. It never hurts to ask, as long as you phrase it in terms of what he would enjoy, not what he's allowed or not allowed to have. As I understand it, people who have had gastric bypass surgery can't eat much of anything. If I were physically unable to eat much food, i would want to really enjoy what I did eat!

[spellweaver16]

I get a lot of my information from my friend who had the surgery years ago. She can't handle too much sugar and, for some reason, bacon. The poor thing. Otherwise, she can eat about what she wants. I'm going to look into non-sweet things.

[goodhealthgourmet]

how about savory snacks like assorted nuts, wasabi peas or roasted chickpeas?

or appetizers/snacks like bean dips & spreads with homemade chips?

you could also offer to bring the wine [or a nice bottle of bubbly].