Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and if you have diabetes, this food-centric holiday can be difficult. And there’s more to consider than sugary desserts — hefty side dishes, enormous amounts, and free-flowing drinks!
But, according to experts, Thanksgiving is a once-a-year occasion, and you don’t have to forego all of your favorite meals.
In this article, we will provide you a quick guide on how to enjoy Thanksgiving even if you have diabetes. Rather than focusing on what to eliminate, this offers substitutions, recommendations, and methods to make the holiday more pleasurable and manageable.
How to Substitute Diabetic-Friendly Ingredients
There are methods to incorporate your dietary preferences into the meal, whether you’re hosting or bringing one dish to a Friendsgiving event. Here are some diabetes-friendly alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving recipes.
Cut the Carbs on the Side Dishes
Traditional Thanksgiving foods such as mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, and dinner rolls are heavy in carbs. However, you can add more vegetables to the meal.
Roast green beans or Brussels sprouts for a fiber-rich side dish, or include vegetables into a traditional recipe like mashed potatoes. You may boost the protein and fiber content of mashed potatoes by adding cauliflower and white beans.
If your recipe calls for extra sugar, decrease it in half and replace it with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. You can alternatively omit the additional sugars entirely, particularly if you intend to top the dish with marshmallows.
Manage the Main Course
Whether your main meal is turkey, pig, fish, beef or ham, it will almost always contain protein! Therefore, it can satisfy your hunger without significantly raising your blood sugar level.
It is especially crucial for persons with type 2 diabetes to balance their plates with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. A traditional American Thanksgiving meal with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce can be an excellent blood sugar management combination.
However, for those with type 1 diabetes, it’s critical to understand what’s in all of the main course add-ons in order to properly manage insulin. Dressing, for example, could be a concern because it contains sweet components such as raisins and apples.
Ditch the Dirty Desserts and Drinks
Diabetes patients are not required to forego dessert. However, we suggest crafting a treat that is more than simply carbs. You may make a fruit salad with a chocolate drizzle or a coconut flan. Flan is cooked with milk and eggs, two protein sources that help to balance out the carbs!
Now let’s talk about drinks. When alcohol is mixed with diabetic medications, there is a danger of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. While a glass of wine or cocktail with Thanksgiving meal is usually appropriate, a festive mocktail as a good alcohol substitute.
Have a Healthy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends, family, and neighbors. The good news is people with diabetes can enjoy the whole experience regardless of what is served or who sits at their table. Just remember that when it comes to making your plate, aim for a mix of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and carbs. Stay hydrated, stay full, and enjoy the festivities ahead!