Diabetics produce less insulin or have a hard time using the insulin in their body. As a result, glucose builds up in their blood. Eating foods that are high in sugar increases their blood glucose, which can lead to serious health issues. There are 25.8 million diabetics in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you are one of them, you can still enjoy a full Christmas feast without affecting your blood sugar level and risking health problems.
Appetizers
There are many appetizers that diabetics can enjoy. Raw vegetables with dip, deviled eggs, cheese, shrimp rings, quiches and other low-sugar choices are perfectly healthy options. Substitute refined white breads or rolls that can spike blood sugar with whole-wheat versions.
Main Meal
The traditional Christmas ham and turkey are healthy choices for diabetics. If you decide to bake a ham, avoid adding heavy glazes made from honey or other types of sugar. Other healthy main options include roasted chicken or baked fish. Also be mindful when adding stuffing to your meat as many stuffing recipes include white bread or other items that can have hidden sugars. If you like cranberry sauce, buy sugar-free versions or make your own using sugar substitutes and add only a small portion to your meal.
Sides
Many holiday sides including yams or mashed or roasted potatoes have high sugar content. Eat only small portions of these sides or replace them altogether with roasted or steamed vegetables, beans, mashed turnips or squash. Another filling option is brown rice, which has less sugar content than the white versions. Avoid sides that have heavy sauces, including gravy, because these can also have hidden sugars.
Dessert
Desserts such as cakes, cookies and pies are often filled with sugar and can be dangerous for diabetics if eaten in excess. If you can't resist the dessert table, choose a small portion and avoid eating high-sugar foods as part of your main meal. You can also make diabetic-friendly desserts by substituting sugar in recipes with sugar substitutes or sweet spices such as vanilla and cinnamon. Fresh fruit is also a healthy after-dinner option.
Alcohol
Alcohol often has high amounts of sugar content. This sugar can also be increased if you're mixing your drinks with juice or soda. The American Diabetes Association recommends limiting your alcohol intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men. Stick to unmixed drinks or mix them with sugar-free soda when possible. Also avoid drinking on an empty stomach because the sugar content will be more readily absorbed and cause more health issues if you are diabetic.
