Yummy and Healthy Holiday Recipes For Diabetics

The holidays can be a challenge for diabetics because of the different dietary restrictions they have. But you can help them enjoy the season by whipping up holiday food that would suit them. Here is a collection of recipes for diabetics that they will love and would not significantly increase their sugar levels. 

Holiday recipes for diabetics: Pasta

Pasta is a popular food item for the holidays but is also considered as one of the biggest contributors to high sugar levels. The trick here is to make sure you are using only whole grain pasta. It is also important to cook it al dente to maintain a low glycemic index. Lastly, ensure that you pair it with a light sauce. 

Cheesy spinach-stuffed shells

• 12 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 1 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
• 19 ounces chopped spinach
• 1 can chopped olives
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese blend
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tablespoons pepper

Steps

1. Cook the pasta shells according to the instructions until it is al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium-high fire. Add the mushrooms and onions and cook until tender. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Remove from the heat and cook a bit more. 
3. Mix the eggs, spinach, ricotta cheese, basil, and pepper. Stir in the mushroom mixture, olives, and ¾ cup each of the Italian cheese and mozzarella. 
4. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce over a baking dish. Fill the pasta shells with the cheese mixture and arrange on top of the sauce. Cover with the remaining sauce. 
5. Cover and place in an oven preheated to 190 degrees Celsius. Cook for 40-45 minutes. 
6. Uncover it and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted. Let cool for five minutes and serve. 

One-pot chicken pesto pasta

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup uncooked spiral pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ⅓ cup pesto, prepared
• 14 ½ ounces reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend

Steps

1. Toss the chicken with the seasoning blend. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a non–stick skillet. 
2. Cook the chicken and brown evenly, then remove from the pan. 
3. Combine the broth and lemon juice in the same pan and bring to a boil. Stir to loosen the bits sticking to the pan. 
4. Stir in the pasta and return to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover, then let simmer for 10 minutes. 
5. Add the broccoli, cover, and cook for another five minutes. Return chicken to the pan and cook covered until the pasta is tender and the chicken is not pink. Stir occasionally. 
6. Add peas and heat through. Add the pesto. 

Holiday recipes for diabetics: Tilapia with spicy tomato-pineapple relish

Tilapia is one of the best holiday foods for diabetics, as it contains lower fat than other fish. It also has a healthy dose of protein and omega-3, which is vital for proper heart maintenance. This dish adds in tomatoes and pineapples for that flavourful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 six-ounce tilapia fillets
• ½ cup crushed pineapples canned in 100% juice, drained
• 1 plum tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Steps

1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with oil
2. Place the tilapia on the sheet and season with oil. 
3. Combine the pineapples, tomatoes, and chili paste in a bowl. Divide the toppings between the fish pieces. 
4. Bake the fish in an oven preheated to 190 degrees Celsius. For 12-15 minutes or until the fish starts to flake. 

Holiday recipes for diabetics: Cheesy eggplant casserole

This eggplant casserole is a great substitute to the usual meat casseroles served during holiday dinners. It has just 17 grams of carbohydrates, making it fall within your allowable limit. The combination of oregano, parsley, and cheese gives this a rich flavor that will satisfy you. 

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 pound Swiss cheese, sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 ½ cup dried bread cubes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (you can also use 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes)
• 1 ¾ cup water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. 
• ½ teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Saute the onion in the vegetable oil until tender. Add the water, tomato paste, oregano, parsley, and salt. 
2. Simmer it over low heat for 10 minutes. 
3. Cut the eggplant into ¼-inch thick slices and arrange one layer of them in a lightly-oiled baking pan. Pour ⅓ cup of the tomato and top with the Swiss cheese slices. 
4. Put another layer of eggplant slices on top and pour ½ cup of tomato sauce. 
5. Combine the remaining sauce with bread cubes and spoon over the eggplant slices. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top. 
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 162 degrees Celsius.

Feast with these tasty holiday recipes for diabetics

The above recipes are just some of the diabetic-friendly holiday food you can prepare for your loved ones who have the disease. Cook these recipes for diabetics and help them eat right this season. What’s more, you also get to eat healthy this season.