If you are a diabetic, what you eat fpr holiday dinners depends on your philosophy for treatment. Many persons decide that it is a holiday and for one day – eat whatever one likes. And for many, that is fine; some may need to increase their medication. However some folks need to be careful even on holidays and others would prefer to do so. Some will continue their regular dietary pattern and that is fine too.
For those of you who do want to partake of the regular food served yet retain some control, I have a few suggestions.
1. Avoid the obvious – sugar, rich desserts made with lots of sugar and that have sugary glazes and sauces, icings on cakes and cookies, jam, jellies, candy, foods with much added sugar such as candied sweet potatoes and sweetened cranberries, regular soda and punches, and regular gelatin, stacks of pancakes and regular pancake syrup and honey.
2. Take small servings of carbohydrate (starch) rich foods such as potatoes, bread, biscuits, gravies, sauces, thickened vegetables and casseroles and combined food.
3. Okay are plain meats- beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, ham, pork, fish, etc. Just be careful with the gravies and sauces.
Plain vegetables, cooked or fresh such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, string beans, green peas, etc. Relish trays or salads of fresh vegetables such as lettuce, celery, tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are fine.
Fresh fruit such as apples, berries, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, and pears are good.
Do enjoy regular portions of plain meat, vegetables and fruit. Just skip the gravies and sauces. If you choose some of the sugary and high carbohydrate foods, just take a small portion. Enjoy the meal.
If you are the host and/or hostess you likely will have one or more diabetic guests. Have available some plain food for these persons. Plain sliced meat and plain vegetables and fresh veggies and a fresh fruit plate. Do not label these foods for diabetics, but rather present them as foods for those who do not like the gooey, mixed dishes. This is the sign of a thoughtful host or hostess. Some diabetics do not like to mention that they are diabetic. So respect that and do not mention the word diabetic or weight loss duing the entire meal.
Food is to be enjoyed!
Holiday dinners are to be enjoyed!
