The holidays are an exciting time when it comes to spending time with family and friends. They're also the time most people struggle to stay on track with healthy eating. For diabetics, this can be a tricky time of year.
Of course, you want to indulge in all of the holiday favorites and ensure that everyone gets to enjoy those traditional dishes like stuffing and pumpkin pie. However, a large portion of those holiday meals can be loaded with carbs and sugars that skyrocket your blood sugar. For senior loved ones, it can be a little tricky figuring out how to navigate holiday meals in moderation.
Next time your family gets together for Thanksgiving or any holiday, try these dishes out if you're worried about diabetes.
Roasted Pumpkin and Pomegranate Salad
Made with spinach, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate arils, and creamy blue cheese, this recipe is easy to follow and packed full of nutrition. This is a great alternative to other classic Thanksgiving sweets and gives you that savory, flavorful fill for your sweet tooth without backtracking on healthy eating. You can sprinkle it with olive oil and a little salt and pepper to add extra flavor.
This salad pairs well with turkey and chicken, giving you protein, healthy fats, and carbs in moderation. The best part is that for something so delicious it takes minimal time to prepare.
Butterflied Turkey With Herb Gravy
Sometimes referred to as spatchcocking, butterflied turkey is great for reducing sodium. When you prepare this dish, you'll use garlic, fresh thyme, parsley, sage, and reduced-sodium chicken broth which will enhance the flavor of the turkey. You can remove the skin after cooking to lower cholesterol and fats, and you can also use pan drippings as a base for your gravy.
With butterflied turkey, you're getting a more evenly cooked result that's a little crispier and all-around flavorful. Not only does this ensure you can enjoy the traditional turkey dish for Thanksgiving, but it's also a great treat for everyone that's so savory you'll never want to prepare your turkey any other way.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts With Maple Orange Glaze
You can't go wrong with brussels sprouts when it comes to diabetic-friendly options. The low-carb veggie is packed full of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and flavor. It packs a punch when it comes to being so full of savory goodness while also being one of the most versatile options. These mini cabbages can be roasted, chopped, sauteed, and more so easily. However, caramelized Brussels is incomparable when it comes to taste and texture. When you add in a light maple orange glaze, you get the perfect balance of lightly sweet and crispy golden.
How Senior Helpers Can Help Meal Prep During the Holidays
Out of the three options above, the caramelized brussels sprouts have the highest risk of causing blood sugar to rise solely because of the maple glaze. As with everything, moderation is key. Whether you're worried about your senior loved one's diabetes or you're looking to stick to healthy eating during the holidays, these dishes are a great place to start.
Need help planning for the holidays? Senior Helpers Clearwater can help ensure your senior loved one is eating healthy without missing out on the wonderful flavors of traditional dishes. Senior Helpers of Florida serves Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Largo, and Clearwater Beaches.