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Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Recipe Tips and Ideas

November 5, 2024
CCS

The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying good food. However, if you or someone in your family is living with diabetes, it can be tricky to find healthier options that still taste great. The good news is you can make easy ingredient swaps to enjoy your holiday meals without spiking blood sugar levels. Enjoy!

Ingredient Swap Ideas

Choose Whole Grains Over White Flour. Many holiday recipes call for white flour, but whole grain options are better for blood sugar control. Try swapping white flour with 100% whole wheat flour and instead of white bread, try 100% whole grain bread (stuffing, anyone?). These alternatives add fiber, which helps keep your blood sugar steady.

Use Sugar Substitutes. For desserts, instead of regular sugar, use a diabetes-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. These are low in carbs and won’t cause a blood sugar spike. You can often use them in place of sugar in your favorite holiday treats. Remember though that the flour you use in desserts still spikes blood sugar, so still use portion control when you serve dessert!

Opt for Low-Fat Dairy. Instead of using full-fat dairy products like heavy cream or whole milk in holiday casseroles and sauces, try low-fat or non-fat options. If you’re looking for a nondairy option, you can also try unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. They are great substitutes that taste good and are lower in carbs and fat.

Try Mashed Cauliflower Instead of Potatoes. Mashed potatoes are a holiday favorite, but they’re high in carbs. Swap them with mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option that’s creamy and delicious. Or if this is too dramatic of a change for you, try preparing your mashed potatoes with half potatoes and half cauliflower. You can add garlic, herbs, or a little cheese for extra flavor. You may be surprised that the cauliflower flavor is almost undetectable!

Choose Lean Proteins. When cooking your holiday feasts, go for lean proteins like turkey, chicken, or fish instead of red meat. These options are lower in fat and better for heart health, which is important for managing diabetes.

Bake or Air Fry Instead of Traditional Frying. If you love crispy holiday treats, try baking or air frying instead of traditional frying. These two methods use less oil and keep the food lower in unhealthy fats, which is better for overall health.

Holiday Recipes

Now that you have your health ingredient tips, it’s time to put them to good (and tasty) use. Take a look at a few of our favorite holiday recipe inspirations below!