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.<\/p>\n
“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!”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n