The holidays are a great time for seeing family, eating good food, and having a nice time. However, for diabetics or pre-diabetics, that second item can present difficulties. Those predisposed to diabetes, especially seniors, can sometimes struggle to maintain their blood sugar levels while watching everyone else enjoy themselves. This year, let's change that with these four low-sugar holiday recipes that are perfect for American Diabetes Month.
1. Low-Sugar Holiday Recipes Should Include Mashed Turnips
While mashed potatoes are a staple food for a reason, the fact that they're almost purely carbohydrates won't help a senior's blood sugar. Instead, try mashed turnips. They can be dressed up in the same ways as potatoes (which means there's no need to give up on the gravy) and have a similar texture once mashed. The main difference is that they tend to have a more peppery flavor, plus they're way more nutrient-dense.
2. Cauliflower "Mac" & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is everyone's favorite side, but it is not exactly healthy food. If a senior is watching their carbs, they can try swapping it out with cauliflower "mac" instead. Roasted cauliflower in cheese sauce has been used as a substitute food for years. It has fewer carbs, more vitamins, and is different enough that it can stand up as its own low-sugar holiday recipe.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Everyone loves the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes soaked in sugar syrup, but the blood sugar spike that comes with them is less delicious. If a senior is a sweet potato devotee, they don't necessarily have to cut them out of their diet. Instead, try them in a different form - specifically, sliced and roasted. Rather than covering them in sugar, rely on the natural sweetness and extra complexity added by the roasting process. Toss with some complementary winter spices and a little bit of butter or other fat to finish them off.
4. Pomegranate Salad Is a Unique Low-Sugar Holiday Recipe
Salads are typically considered a boring dish, eaten out of obligation as opposed to desire. This year, change the salad into something worthy to accompany the main course. Pomegranate provides a delicious fruity pop to compliment some bitter greens while being antioxidant-rich. Add in some feta crumbles and toasted pine nuts, and serve with a simple vinaigrette for a healthy dish people actually want to eat.
Tips for Managing Diabetes
On the day of the holiday festivities, managing a senior's diabetes is a low priority. Forgetting can be a serious problem, though, so here are a few extra tips for keeping their diabetes in mind during the festivities:
- Test blood sugar regularly.
- Don't skip meals ahead of dinner.
- Stay active throughout the day.
- Plan plates ahead of the meal to make more mindful choices.
Get Help With Senior Helpers Charleston
While there's tons of fun to be had during the season, the holidays can be just as stressful. With so much happening, it can be hard to dedicate the proper time to providing care to a senior loved one. This year, get help from Senior Helpers of Charleston. We provide excellent in-home assistance to seniors across Charleston, including surrounding areas like Mt. Pleasant, Moncks Corner, James Island, and Daniel Island. Don't delay - get help today!