How to host a diabetic friendly Christmas feast
As the festive season approaches, many of us are planning gatherings with friends and family, but for the millions in the UK living with diabetes, Christmas comes with added stress – especially when it comes to food.
New research reveals how common and misunderstood these stresses can be, 64% of Brits know someone with diabetes, yet the same number admit they don’t understand the condition well.
Similarly, 58% of Brits admit they have little to no knowledge of how to prepare a suitable meal, and 28% say they find it difficult to hosts guests managing health conditions, like diabetes.
As a result, nearly half (49%) of people with Type 2 diabetes feel the need to hide their condition at social events.
Feel more confident hosting a diabetic friendly Christmas, and enable guests to feel more included with these practical tips and smart food swaps from award-winning dietitian Azmina Govindji.
These will support glucose stability without sacrificing on flavour, or festive tradition.
To help hosts feel more confident, and guests feel more included, Abbott has teamed up with award-winning dietitian Azmina Govindji to share practical tips and smart food swaps that support glucose stability without sacrificing flavour or tradition.
Read on to discover Azmina’s tips for a diabetic friendly Christmas below.
1. Slower sauce
Swap out traditional bread sauce for a nutty parsley sauce instead. You can jazz up your plate by adding some ground almonds and freshly chopped parsley to bread sauce.
This works because nuts release energy slowly and including them in the sauce helps to prevent a sharp rise in your blood glucose. And you get the added bonus of more fibre and protein, too.
Be mindful of the other accompaniments so your entire meal is working towards steady blood glucose levels.
2. Sweetness without the sugar rush
Ditch store-bought cranberry sauce and instead conjure up this festive berry treat.
Simply mash winter berries in a dash of orange juice, alongside a cinnamon stick, one diced pear and a splash of water – no need to add any sugar as the softened pear brings in natural sweetness.
Every small change that cuts added sugar and brings fibre contributes to making your meal better for your blood glucose, so the more simple swaps you make, the better your meal will be overall.
3. Carb makeover
Roasting your potatoes with a soft centre tends to raise glucose levels more rapidly than new potatoes. Be more mindful of choosing new potatoes in their skins.
To add to the taste, toss them in a generous sprinkling of dried rosemary, as much garlic as you dare, a good scattering of pumpkin seeds and a touch of sea salt. They work a dream in the air fryer.
The part of your plate that contains carbohydrates has the biggest effect on your blood glucose, so choosing this component well and keeping an eye on portion size can help improve the glycaemic impact of your meal.
4. Upgrade your stuffing
Swap out the white bread stuffing and elevate your plate with this bean and herb tray stuffing.
Simply mash a can of drained mixed beans with a chopped celery stick, half a teaspoon of crushed garlic, a hearty sprinkling of dried sage and a diced red onion.
Season lightly and drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
Press into a tray and roast until firm at the edges.
The beans have a lower glycaemic index than traditional white breadcrumbs and the celery and onion bring a light crunch that lifts the whole stuffing.
This is an incredibly good swap, keep an eye on the other components of your meal, too.
So your whole plate has a favourable effect on your blood glucose.
5. Switch to spice
It’s easy to forget the effect that drinks can have on glucose levels when you’re partying, but sugar in liquid form can make your blood glucose rise even faster.
Forget the sweetened mulled wine or sugar-rich fizzy drinks and instead opt for a warming citrus spiced tea. Infuse fresh orange slices in hot water with a few cloves and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
The familiar festive flavours we all love but without the sugar rush. Perfect for a diabetic friendly Christmas!
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