Thanksgiving Dietary Advice for Elderly with Diabetes

Thanksgiving is a big day when it comes to feasting and if you are a diabetic, it might be challenging to stay away from all the great food. If you make a few simple changes to your old habits, your holidays can be a happy event.

23.6 million Children and adults in the United States have diabetes, a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not process sugar correctly.

Diabetics should watch the amount of carbs and fats they consume at the holiday dinner. If mashed potatoes, stuffing and sweet potatoes are served, you should pick one item along with turkey and a vegetable. You can make simple changes to recipes and still feel satisfied. Switch from candied yams to a baked sweet potato; pecan pie to pumpkin pie; bread stuffing to a vegetable stuffing.

 Eat Whole Grains. A new study suggests that people, who consume several servings of whole grains per day while limiting their daily intake of refined grains, appear to have less fat tissue, which can trigger cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. 

To avoid overeating, on Thanksgiving Day, don't skip breakfast and lunch, so when you sit down for the main dinner, you will be less likely to indulge on high- carbohydrate, fat-filled dishes.

Please make smart decisions this holiday season. You want to be around to celebrate many more holidays together.