November is the start of the holiday season and National Diabetes Month. While Thanksgiving dinner and other celebrations of the season are often not balanced, those living with diabetes can enjoy traditional dishes while incorporating a few ideas to balance out some high fat and high carbohydrate plates. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Health Specialist, David Leal, and Titus County Extension Agent, Lou Ann Rollins have some tips to help make our holiday meals healthier without skipping our family favorites.
Add Balance with Fruits and Vegetables
If you imagine your Thanksgiving plate, you will notice that vegetables are likely scarce. While sweet potatoes and green beans are present, they are prepared with marshmallow, butter, bacon, or sauces, which add sugar, sodium, and fat. “The idea is that we have some vegetables or fruit on our plate that are prepared with minimal fat and sodium so that we can balance traditional high calorie foods”, Leal states. “The fiber in fruits and vegetables helps us feel satisfied and they also add variety in texture and color”, he continued.