But while diabetics in the past may have thought they were doomed to a life of deprivation, we now know that’s not the case—you just have to be smart about it. That’s why we took five classic comfort-food favorites and came up with healthier versions that would be right at home in Deen’s kitchen, but sans the high-glycemic carbohydrates and saturated fat that can wreak havoc on your blood sugar—and your heart. Here, 5 ways to indulge in diabetes-friendly decadence.

  1. Chicken and Dumplings Classic dumpling recipes often call for heavy cream or a high-fat cream-based soup as a broth, not to mention plenty of butter and all-purpose white flour. In other words, they make it hard to keep your blood sugar in check. Instead try… Our Chicken and “Dumplings” Making a sauce with reduced-fat sour cream instead of heavy cream cuts the saturated fat in this all-in-one main dish, and we recommend using the leanest (and skinless) meat from the chicken. Add the gnocchi-like dumplings—think small and pillowy—to the simmering broth at the last minute to preserve their light, tender texture. MORE: The Best Foods For Diabetics
  2. Mac and Cheese With Potato Chip Crust It’s not news to anyone how rich macaroni and cheese can be; it contains calorie and cholesterol-rich full-fat cheese, milk, butter, white pasta, bacon, and potato chips—all of which can spike blood sugar. Instead try… Low-Fat Spicy Mac & Cheese Follow this maxim and you’ll never be left wanting: When you’re cutting fat, add flavor. Here, try tossing in some chipotle chile pepper, which lends an unexpected but enticing kick to this classic comfort food made heart-healthier with a combination of reduced-fat dairy products. Swap in whole wheat pasta for an even healthier version.
  3. Oven-Fried Chicken Soaking chicken in buttermilk and yogurt for 8 hours before cooking packs in a lot of fat—and that’s before you’ve breaded the bird in white flour. Instead try… Oven-Fried Deviled Chicken Remember that anything you fry can also be baked for a more moist—and healthier—dish. When you’re breading, use Dijon instead of whole eggs, and opt for heart-healthy whole-wheat crumbs instead of the traditional white. Cook it in the oven and serve it with a vinegar slaw.
  4. Avocado Chicken Salad The real reason most of us love this sandwich staple is the generous serving of mayonnaise that goes in it. And while a little mayo in moderation can be just fine, it still packs a hefty dose of saturated fat. This salad also calls for sour cream, avocado and more mayo in the dressing. Instead try… Crispy Chicken Salad Each serving of this salad packs a whole cup of fiber-filled greens and a smattering of grape tomatoes. The breading—which adds a satisfying crunch to the chicken—is kept to a minimum, and mixed with just one egg white for four servings, it’s low-cholesterol, too.
  5. Chocolate Bread Pudding With Rum Toffee Sauce Any dessert that isn’t automatically portion-controlled can spell trouble for a diabetic—or anyone watching their fat and sugar intake. This recipe calls for whipping cream, milk, butter, white bread, as well as white and brown sugar. Instead try… Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes With Vanilla Bean Frosting Join the cupcake craze! These are a cute, no-deprivation way to keep portions in check and sugar intake under control. Plus, using dark cocoa instead of chocolate slashes fat for just 9 g of fat per serving. MORE: Diabetes-Friendly Starters And Snacks