With calorie-packed foods and sugary drinks often at the center of holiday gatherings, the season can be more challenging than festive for many Americans living with type 2 diabetes. But American cooking star Paula Deen, who has type 2 diabetes, is letting people know that it’s still possible to enjoy all that the holidays have to offer while making smart decisions about healthy eating.
“Celebrating the holidays with my family and friends with a delicious Southern meal is one of my favorite traditions, and that won’t change because of my diabetes,” said Paula. “You know, I still enjoy my favorite holiday foods, but I’ve changed the way my plate looks. I’ve been doublin’ up on my greens and cutting back on the sodium and carbs. I’ve also added some of the diabetes-friendly recipes that we’ve made for Diabetes in a New Light(TM) to my holiday menu, and now my whole family will enjoy them too!”
Paula, along with her sons Bobby and Jamie, teamed up with Novo Nordisk on Diabetes in a New Light(TM) to lighten up some of their family’s favorite dishes and to provide a resource to help people with diabetes and their families make healthier eating a regular part of their diabetes care, during the holidays and throughout the year. The Gingered Butternut Squash and Green Apple Mash in a new light recipe is a delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
“Exercise is also an important part of managing your diabetes,” adds Paula. “I used to hate exercise and hardly ever made time for it. I know we’re all busy, but once you commit to adding a little physical activity to each day, before y’all know it, exercise will become part of your new daily routine, too. It’s easy! I normally walk on a treadmill for at least a mile a day and sometimes outside after dinner with my husband, Michael. Whenever I think about skipping a walk, I remind myself how good I feel afterwards.”
You can find more diabetes-friendly recipes from the Deens, along with tips and resources for managing your diabetes at DiabetesinaNewLight.com. You can also sign-up to receive a new recipe each month!
Gingered Butternut Squash and Green Apple Mash in a new light
A Diabetes in a New Light(TM) original recipe
Makes: 4 servings (2 cups)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
1 (20-ounce) package cut and peeled butternut squash
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into quarters
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced and peeled
2 teaspoons packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 425 F. Spray a large shallow baking pan with olive oil nonstick spray. Combine squash, apples, and salt in the roasting pan; spray with olive oil nonstick spray and toss to coat. Spread the squash mixture in a single layer in the pan. Roast, stirring occasionally, until the squash and apples are tender and lightly browned, about 40 minutes.
Transfer the squash mixture to a food processor. Add orange juice, ginger, brown sugar, curry powder, cinnamon and nutmeg; pulse until smooth. Serve at once.
Per serving (1/2 cup): 120 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated, 0 g trans), 0 mg cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 1 g protein.
Making it lighter
* Roasting the squash and apples brings out their natural deliciousness.
* Instead of adding fat-laden butter and cream, mix in a little orange juice and big bold spices like ginger and curry powder.
* A bit of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness.
This recipe has been reviewed by Diabetes Care and Education, a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Diabetes in a New Light(TM) is a trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
