Healthy Holiday Eating

Diabetes is one of the leading diseases plaguing us today. It is estimated that just under 19 million Americans have been diagnosed with some type of diabetes, and another 7 million have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. With the holidays in full swing, many people with diabetes have a tough time sticking to their healthy habits during this season. However, with careful planning and some discipline, you can start the New Year with no regrets.

Although planning a holiday dinner is no easy task, you may be the one that wants to host it. This would give you more control of what foods are on the table. If there is already a designated holiday home, and it’s not yours, offer to bring a couple of healthy dishes. This will ensure that there will be something you can eat. And lets not forget that everyone will benefit from eating healthier… not just those with diabetes!

There are simple swaps that you can make to aid in healthy diabetic eating. For starters, you may want to remove the skin from the turkey and; swap out whole grains for refined grains. With the supermarket shelves lined with healthier alternatives, this should be easy. Choose whole wheat rolls from the bakery; and make oven baked potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. This will eliminate all the butter and milk that you would normally use. And of course, load up on fresh veggies, sans fancy sauces and butters. Providing you use the right fresh herbs and seasoning, you shouldn’t feel like your missing out and honestly, I think your guests will likely feel a little less guilty themselves.

Now to the desserts- sweet foods contain a large amount of carbohydrates in small servings. That’s why if you are going to have it, there is no reason that you can’t have a small slice of your favorite dessert. However, if want to try to make a low sugar version of your favorite cake or pie, simple swaps can make a big difference. Try using applesauce in place of oil; using artificial sweeteners instead of real sugar; and use skim milk instead of whole milk. You can also serve some seasonal fresh fruit- just go easy on it since fruit is naturally high in sugar.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or you have been living with it for quite sometime, there is no need to feel like you can’t enjoy holiday eating. With so much information in the news regarding healthy living and healthy eating, you too can enjoy the feasts of the holidays, providing it is done in moderation.