Thanksgiving can be a diabetic person's worst nightmare, as they are forced to forgo favorite foods such as pumpkin pie and candied yams due to their high sugar content. According to "Diabetes for Dummies," monitoring one's blood glucose levels and limiting sugar consumption are key components to successfully managing diabetes. However, with some planning and substitutions, Thanksgiving can be a joyous holiday full of delicious, diabetic-friendly foods.
Step 1
Serve a turkey breast as opposed to the entire turkey. "Diabetes for Dummies" mentions that turkey breast is high in protein and low in fat, whereas dark meat turkey is fatty. Use spices instead of sugar-laden glazes to flavor the turkey breast.
Step 2
Avoid adding sugar to otherwise healthy options. For example, serve baked yams, which "Contemporary Nutrition" mentions are healthy, nutrient-dense foods, unlike candied yams.
Step 3
Serve fruit and vegetable platters and salads for healthy, diabetic-friendly side dishes instead of stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Step 4
Bake desserts without sugar. "Diabetic Holiday Recipes," suggests baking a traditional pumpkin pie with canned pumpkin but without added sugar to offer a traditional dessert while still being diabetic friendly.
References
- "Diabetes for Dummies"; Alan L. Rubin M.D.; 2008
- "Diabetic Holiday Recipes"; Editors of Favorite Brand Name Recipes; 2010
- "Contemporary Nutrition": Gordon M. Wardlaw and Anne M Smith; 2007
