By Andrea Tappe, RD, LD, CDE
The holidays are here! Storytelling, children playing, turkey stuffing and laughter fill the air. For many, Thanksgiving means mixing a little bit of old with a little bit of new. It’s time for the sweet potato recipe passed down from four generations ago and new traditions brought by new marriages and babies being born.
As you gather with friends and family this year, celebrate the time of being together and make sweet memories during your festivities. As a part of National Diabetes Month, take care of your loved ones by considering healthy options as your prepare your feast. Add vegetables of all colors to your table to heighten vitamin and mineral consumption. Use less sugar and butter while cooking to minimize calorie intake. Make sure you have lean meat choices so those with diabetes will have plenty of non-carbohydrate options.
If you or your loved ones are pregnant and also have diabetes, it is important that your breakfast meal be lower in carbs. Save fruit for an afternoon snack. And serve eggs or leftover turkey/ham with the first meal to aid a feeling of fullness and satisfaction throughout the day.
A good approach for anyone with diabetes during the holiday season is to put two to three hours, between the main meal and dessert. This allows your blood sugar to drop closer to normal before it rises from the sweet food. And of course, a small slice is best.
If you or your loved one are pregnant this holiday season and need help finding a doctor, contact our Angels hotline at 501-526-7425. Even if you live far from UAMS, we offer telemedicine services to help with your diabetes in pregnancy.
If you are not pregnant, and would like advice from a registered dietitian in managing your diabetes, call 501-526-6477. If you are not a UAMS employee or student, you will need a referral from your PCP.
Recipe for Vegetables Medley
Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Red Onion, Carrots, Red/Orange/Yellow Bell Peppers, Olive Oil, Kalamata Olives.
Rinse and cut vegetables (except olives) into any shape, but small enough for one bite. Place in mixing bowl and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Mix well and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour onto roasting pan and place in oven at 400 degrees for 30 min or until tender. Add Kalamata olives last 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
Delicious and beautiful low-carb dish!