November is National Diabetes Awareness month! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).”
To support those in our community and to help raise awareness about diabetes, we’ve put together a list of diabetic friendly holiday recipes! If you’d like to learn more about diabetes, you can visit the CDC’s website by clicking here.
What makes a recipe diabetic friendly?
Dietary management of diabetes can differ by individual, but there are some things in general you can do to make a meal that is more diabetic friendly. You can:
- Reduce sodium and calories
- Limit refined carbohydrates (like sugar)
- Increase fiber
- Replace saturated and trans fats with more heart-healthy fats
As you might be able to tell, this is an approach that can also benefit anyone who is looking to eat healthier!
Diabetic Friendly Recipes, Perfect for the Holidays
Walnut-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Cider Gravy
You’ll find a Granny Smith apple, shallots, apple cider, roasted walnuts, and more in this diabetic-friendly turkey dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving.
Click here to read the Walnut-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Cider Gravy recipe from Diabetic Gourmet.
Holiday Cranberry Salad
“With less than 10 grams of carbohydrate, this low-sugar cranberry congealed salad is perfect for the holidays when you or any of your guests have diabetes and need to follow a diabetic meal plan.”
Click here to read the Holiday Cranberry Salad Recipe from myrecipes.com.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
“A slimmed-down white sauce makes this creamy green bean casserole side dish recipe low fat.” This recipe is ready in 1 hour and makes 12 services.
Click here to read Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe from Eating Well.
Easy Half-Mashed Potatoes
“Leaving the skin on the potatoes increases the fiber in this recipe. By mixing the cauliflower with potatoes, you get the same volume for less carbs!”
Click here to read the Easy Half-Mashed Potatoes recipe from Diabetes Food Hub.
Baked Butternut Squash
“Enjoy the flavors of Autumn with this easy to prepare dish for baked butternut squash. This is also a great side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.”
Click here to read the Baked Butternut Squash recipe from Diabetic Gourmet.
Light and Luscious Pumpkin Pie
“If pumpkin pie is a must for the holidays, this version fulfills that holiday tradition without derailing your meal plan.” Ready in an hour and 45 minutes, you’ll have 10 great slices of this pie!
Click here to read the Light and Luscious Pumpkin Pie recipe from Eating Well.
Apple Crisp
“Some of this warm Apple Crisp is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Wondering how to fit in dessert this Thanksgiving? Check out our tips to Adjust the Holiday Meal Plan.”
Click here to the Apple Crisp recipe on Diabetes Food Hub.
Understand How to Manage and Treat Diabetes
If you would like to better understand the treatment and management of diabetes, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our providers! Call (800) 321-5043 to set up and appointment or to learn more about the health services we offer for you and your family.