November is National Diabetes Month

Posted by Carolyn Martin on November 24th, 2014 Posted in: Health Literacy, News From NNLM PNR, Training & Education

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Thanksgiving is soon approaching, a time when many are giving thanks for food, family and health. Many favorite dishes are loaded with sugars and it is tempting to overeat. This can be a health issue for those with diabetes. Whether we have a family history or not, we shouldn’t deprive ourselves but rather, consider eating in moderation while enjoying a great feast.

The Diabetes Educator website provides a nice visual on how to divide your plate along with some healthier recipes: https://www.diabeteseducator.org/export/sites/aade/_resources/pdf/general/ThanksgivingPlateResource.pdf

The American Diabetes Association includes tips on Navigating the Thanksgiving Feast and other holiday tips:

http://www.diabetes.org/mfa-recipes/tips/2012-11/navigating-the-holiday-feast.html
http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/holiday-meal-planning/

So go ahead and enjoy the feast but remember that if you’re thankful for your health, stuff that turkey and not yourself!

Here are some Thanksgiving Day suggestions:

• Don’t wait to eat until the feast to avoid overeating.
• Fill half your plate with vegetables but avoid or limit those that contain cream sauces or butter.
• When filling your plate take only a spoonful of the dishes you really enjoy and wait and see if you really are still hungry after eating before considering more.
• Skip the bread and rolls.
• Roast those sweet potatoes rather than smothering them in butter, sugar and marshmallows, roasting them at a high temperature (400-450 degrees) causes the sugars in the sweet potatoes to caramelize.
• Use a sugar substitute when making pies.
• Skip the whipped cream or the ice cream with the pie.
• If bringing a dish, choose a fresh veggie platter with a hummus dip or a tossed salad of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Eat slowly and take time to interact with those around you, good companionship can be just as satisfying as eating.
• Before diving into that comfy chair take a walk around the block, it will help you feel better and keep you awake!

For more information about diabetes: MedlinePlus and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).