For individuals with diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial in managing blood sugar levels. When it comes to enjoying turkey, it is important to choose the right kind. While deli turkey may not be the best option due to its high sodium and preservative content, unprocessed turkey breast without the skin is a great choice for diabetics. Turkey breast is low in fat, especially saturated fat, making it a healthy protein option. It is also rich in niacin and selenium, which are beneficial for overall health.
Can Diabetics Eat Fried Turkey?
The holiday season often brings a variety of delicious foods and treats, which can be challenging for individuals with diabetes. However, with proper planning and making smart choices, diabetics can still enjoy holiday meals without feeling deprived. Here are some do's and don'ts for diabetics during the Thanksgiving season:
Do's:
- Plan ahead and have a healthy breakfast to minimize hunger later in the day.
- Choose a smaller plate to help control portion sizes.
- Opt for turkey as a protein option, which will make you feel fuller faster and have less impact on blood sugar.
- Incorporate non-starchy vegetables into your meal, such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and celery.
- Be mindful of the calories and carbohydrates hidden in sweetened beverages, and opt for water, tea, seltzer, or diet sodas instead.
- Enjoy a small portion of dessert, eating slowly and savoring the taste.
Don'ts:
- Avoid trying to save calories and carbohydrates for later in the day, as it may lead to overeating and difficulty in blood sugar control.
- Avoid fried turkey or adding butter, as they can add extra calories and fat.
- Avoid dipping non-starchy vegetables in creams, gravy, or ranch dressing.
When preparing a healthy Thanksgiving meal, focus on incorporating seasonal produce into your dishes. Squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, apples, carrots, cranberries, pumpkin, and pomegranates are all great options. You can also modify your favorite recipes by substituting unhealthy ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, using applesauce instead of oil can significantly decrease the fat and calorie content of a dish. Adding extra seasonal vegetables can also boost the nutrient content.
If you need additional guidance on managing diabetes and making healthy choices during the holiday season, the MOLLY Diabetes Education and Management Center for Adults and Children at Hackensack University Medical Center offers comprehensive support services. Their team of endocrinologists, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, registered dietitians, licensed clinical social workers, and certified diabetes educators specialize in diabetes care and can provide personalized assistance.
Overall, diabetics can enjoy smoked turkey as long as it is unprocessed and without the skin. It is important to make smart choices during the holiday season and be mindful of portion sizes and ingredients. By planning ahead and incorporating healthy options into your meals, you can have a satisfying and diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving.
If you want to know other articles similar to Diabetics and smoked turkey: a healthy thanksgiving option you can visit the Dietary recommendations category.
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