Healthy Diabetic Tips for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get the family together and share a wonderful meal. Some people worry about how their diabetes can be safely managed during such a food filled holiday, and others worry about what to serve their guests who might have diabetes. Well, I asked the one person who has been managing her own diabetes for over 20 years, my Mom. She has taught me many recipes and ways to manage her sugar intake and portion control. I, myself, am not diabetic, but it does not hurt to eat healthier and learn how to manage it prior to it coming about.

Here are some simple tips on how to have a happy and delicious Thanksgiving, even with diabetes.

I asked my Mom what the biggest concern for her has been and she emphasized portion control. This is true because no matter what you eat, if you don't watch how much of it you put into your body, you may still have a negative reaction!

Everyone loves yams on Thanksgiving, and if you prepare them a particular way, then everyone can enjoy them. You can actually make two separate dishes if a family favorite includes the brown sugar and marshmallows baked on the top! All you need is fresh yams, sliced up and baked in the oven with a bit of butter. Not too much, though! The yams have enough of their own sweet sugars that you really don't need to add any more. Try it, it is absolutely yummy.

Out here in California, my Dad likes to barbeque the turkey and ears of corn, too. If you do that, then keep in mind the corn is a carbohydrate and turns to sugar in the body. Have other vegetables ready as well to keep everyone happy and healthy! Broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, salads, fried green tomatoes, and spinach are great, too. Carrots have natural sugar, so watch your portions.

Mashed potatoes are a favorite on the Thanksgiving table, but have a hidden secret for diabetics. The extra ingredients you put in when you mash them, milk, mayonnaise, salt or cream, can be hidden dangers for diabetic guests. Boiled potatoes with a hint of salt and pepper may sound bland, but it is very tasty! Keep an eye on how much gravy you pile on top of your potatoes, too! Remember portion control as it is very important when maintaining your blood sugar.

Adding dinner rolls to the table? Whole wheat rolls are great because they have a wonderful flavor and are a great choice for diabetics. Again, like all foods, you need to read the labels and see what size serving is best for you and your guests.

One other main concern is purchasing "Sugar Free" foods. We have all seen the lovely pies at the bakery section of the grocery store with the large "Sugar Free" stickers on the lid. Remember that sugar free only means that they did not add sugar to the mix. Keep in mind what is in the pie or cake already. Read all labels! I cannot, nor can my Mom, emphasize it enough to read the labels of all your products, especially sugar free. On a side note, do not over eat the sugar free candies; they tend to have a laxative effect if too much is consumed at one time! Here are a few kinds of sugar free candies to have out if you have a sweet tooth: Hershey's Sugar Free Milk Chocolate, York's Sugar Free Peppermint Patty, or Sugar Free Hard Candy from Go Lightly.

Some other aspects of the Thanksgiving dinner you will want to keep in mind, if you are throwing the party, or eating it, remember these tips: What is the stuffing made of? White bread cubes? White bread is not as healthy for a diabetic as whole wheat. Don't have a recipe for that? I found this one online and it looks delicious. (Click here.) Also keep in mind the gravy. Is it from a package or is it homemade? Think of the carbo and sugar content. It might taste good, but remember what it can do to your blood sugar! One last thing... keep an eye on the cranberry sauce. There is a lot of sugar in cranberry sauce, but I found this recipe on eHow.com for a version that is sugar free! (Click here to view it.)

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Sources:

My Mother