As Easter approaches, many families in the Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Marina del Rey areas of California look forward to the traditional Easter dishes their families have been making for years. Those who have loved ones with diabetes may worry these traditional dishes are off-limits as many are high in sugar or carbohydrates. At Senior Helpers Santa Monica, an in-home senior care company, we understand the challenges of living with diabetes. We've put together a list of traditional Easter dishes that can be easily adapted to be diabetes-friendly. Read on to learn how you can still enjoy your favorite Easter dishes while accommodating your diabetic family members!
Traditional Easter Dishes
- Hot Cross Buns — Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter staple in many households. They are typically made with sweetened yeast dough, filled with dried fruit and spices, and topped with a glaze of sugar and butter.
- Easter Ham — Easter Ham is a savory dish traditionally made with a ham roast topped with honey-sweetened glaze. It is often served with mashed potatoes and other high-carb side dishes.
- Easter Eggs — Easter Eggs are a symbol of new life and are often made using a sweetened custard and served with an array of sweetened toppings. Many come chocolate or candied-covered and are a favorite of the Easter season.
- Mashed Potatoes — Mashed potatoes and mashed potato casseroles are an Easter dinner favorite. Family recipes are often loaded with sour cream, butter, and cream cheese.
Adaptations to Make These Dishes Diabetic-Friendly
- Hot Cross Buns — In order to make Hot Cross Buns more diabetic-friendly, you can switch to an unsweetened yeast dough and substitute fruits and vegetables for the sugar in the glaze. Using pure honey, fewer raisins, and a glaze made from citrus juice can make a difference.
- Easter Ham — For Easter Ham, you can choose leaner cuts of meats and add low-carb vegetables to the plate. Diabetics can still keep the carbs and sugars in check by creating a sweet glaze using low-sugar orange juice and dijon mustard instead of the usual sugar-laden sauce.
- Easter Eggs —To make Easter Eggs diabetic-friendly, you can replace the sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia, and use low-fat milk or dairy alternatives. Sugar-free peanut butter Easter eggs are easy to make and a delicious choice for diabetics.
- Mashed Potatoes — Diabetics might consider substituting mashed sweet potatoes for white potatoes. Sweet potatoes are low-glycemic and contain more fiber and calcium than regular potatoes. Mock mashed potatoes made with cauliflower are a great alternative too.
Enjoy Easter with Senior Helpers
At Senior Helpers Santa Monica, we understand the challenges that come with living with diabetes, so we want to ensure that everyone can still enjoy their favorite Easter dishes. With our adaptations to traditional Easter dishes, you can now accommodate your diabetic family members without compromising on flavor. If you or someone you know needs in-home senior care services in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, or Marina del Rey, please contact us today to find out how we can help.