Some more of my favourite South African diabetic things:
GIFSA
GIFSA is the GI Foundation of South Africa. They are the people responsible for testing the GI of South African products, and they have a series of logos that the company responsible can then put on their product. GIFSA produces a publication that lists the GI, fat, kilojoule, carb and protein contents of most products available at your local Pick 'n Pay. Some of these products are listed on their website, here: http://www.gifoundation.co.za/
Tastic Rice - Brown Rice, Wild Rice and Lentils
This was one of my favourite types of rice before I was diagnosed (the other being basmati), and continues to be a favourite. The rice is low GI. It has a lovely nutty flavour that I find is lost in white rice.
Lipton Lite Iced Tea
I adore iced tea, and the Lipton Lite brand uses sweeteners and is certified by the South African Diabetes Association as being suitable for diabetics. It comes in lemon and peach flavours, and both are delicious.
Sasko Daybreaker Low GI Bread
Sasko has recently started producing a low GI wholewheat bread. The packaging contains the GIFSA logo, and is listed as being both low GI and low fat. It's a great alternative to seedloaf and rye bread. I particularly like the texture, as it is quite similar to white and brown bread, and that makes it perfect for toasting.
Phyl's Diabetic Rusks
These rusks are sold at my local Spar. I think they're a local product, so are probably only available in the East London area. They're made from a rusk recipe in the Eating for Sustained Energy books, so contain a load of fibre, virtually no fat and are low GI.
Ouma Nutri Rusks
These are new on the market, and are suitable for diabetics. They are intermediate GI, so are not as good as Phyl's rusks, but are great for a snack every now and again. I find rusk making too labour intensive and time consuming, so I'm happy to find ready made ones.
Diabetes Focus
Diabetes Focus is the magazine of the South African Diabetes Association. You can check out a copy here: http://www.diabetessa.co.za/. It is sent out to members of the Diabetes Association quarterly, and has great tips on South African products. It's last issue had a R250 off coupon for membership of Run/Walk for Life for a year.
