A Diabetic’s Guilt-Free Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Day has traditionally been thought of as a day of indulgent feasting. We rationalize the overeating as a minor indiscretion that can be made up by eating less before and after the big day. For diabetics this may not be a choice that promotes good health.
The truth is there’s a lot to honor about the Thanksgiving meal. According to Yahoo Health turkey is a great protein source with very little fat. Sweet potatoes provide abundant nutrition including beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and have antioxidants. And finally roasted chestnuts, “Provides about 150 calories with only 1 gram of fat. They’re a great source of potassium, vitamin C and fiber (5 grams per half-cup!).”
Despite the good news diabetics can get into trouble for Thanksgiving when they assume they can enjoy the feast without consequence. Yes, there are positives about most of the foods typically found at the turkey-day feast, but moderation becomes the friend of the diabetic.
Registered dietician Lisa Frazier told OzarksFirst.com that diabetics should, “Have lots of vegetables [and] lean meats.”
Lisa realizes that well meaning relatives may push family recipes on the diabetics in their midst believing that one day of feasting will not hurt the diabetic. If this happens in your family it may be time for some education. This can come in the form of delivering your own revised recipes for those who are willing to enjoy great taste with no guilt.
OzarksFirst.com provides a couple of diabetic friendly, yet very tasty treats that may garner more fans for your ‘restricted’ diet than you might believe possible.
MONSTER COOKIE BARS RECIPE:
provided by Skaggs Hospital
6 eggs
2 cups of Sugar Twin Substitute
2 oz. of Splenda Sugar Substitute
1/2 tbsp. of Vanilla Extract
1/2 tbsp. of light corn syrup
4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 margarine, solid
3 cups Peanut Butter, creamy
9 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips, semi sweet
Mix all ingredients together. Flatten cookies with spoon dipped in water. Bake at 300 F for 10 to 13 minutes.
Makes 66 portions.
MOZZARELLA PEPPER SALSA RECIPE:
(Provided by Midwest Dairy Association)
Ingredients:
1 block (8 ounces) of Mozzarella cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1 cup diced roasted red peppers
2 green onions, cut diagonally into thin slices
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 head Belgian endive, separated into leaves
Preparation:
Combine Mozzarella cheese, red peppers, green onions, fresh basil and olive oil in medium bowl. Mix well. Season with pepper. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Serve on endive leaves with whole grain crackers.
-Can also spoon onto whole grain bread and cook in oven until cheese begins to melt.
If you can plan a little bit better in advance of Thanksgiving you will likely enjoy the day, not just because you may enjoy the food, but also because you will feel better during and after the family gatherings.
If you’ve lived with diabetes for a while then you may remember seasonal gathering where you literally felt as if there was a terrible payment needed once the event was over. By paying more attention to your body and less attention to the misinformed suggestions of friends and family you can enjoy their company – and your festive meal.
