Proverbs 15:17:
“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
Savor the Flavors with These Top 5 Low-Carb Thanksgiving Side Dishes:
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and indulging in the bountiful feast that graces our tables. For those navigating the intricate landscape of diabetes, this season can bring its own set of challenges. With traditional recipes often laden with sugar and carbohydrates, finding diabetic-friendly options can feel like navigating a feast-filled maze.
Fear not, though! With a faith-filled heart, we can turn these challenges into opportunities! Thanksgiving should be about mindful eating and the celebration of life’s infinite blessings. As your fellow T1D friend, I’ve gathered a selection of the top yummiest, low-carb side dish recipes. Time to relish this holiday without spiking your blood sugars or compromising your health goals!
Genesis 1:29:
“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'”
Sautéed Asparagus, Peppers and Mushrooms (diabetesfoodhub.org)
〚Click on the link in the title for full recipe details/nutritional card〛
Complement your diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving turkey dinner with a vibrant and nutritious side dish that adds a burst of flavor to your feast!
✴ Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat.
✴ Toss in 1 pound of trimmed and cut asparagus, half a cup of sliced red onion, 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms, and a chopped medium red bell pepper.
✴ Stir the medley frequently for 15-18 minutes. (Until vegetables are tender and infused with the savory aroma of the season.)
✴ Add a minced garlic clove to the pan, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the dish’s rich flavors.
This side recipe not only complements your Thanksgiving table but also offers a colorful and diabetes-friendly addition to the holiday spread. Let the colors of asparagus, peppers, and mushrooms remind us of the diverse and abundant gifts from the earth, inviting us to savor the goodness of God’s creation.
1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Deviled Eggs (diabetesfoodhub.org)
〚Click on the link in the title for full recipe details/nutritional card〛
Deviled eggs are a delightful and low-carb appetizer choice for Thanksgiving. These bite-sized wonders are made by halving hard-boiled eggs and mixing their yolks with ingredients like light mayonnaise, cream cheese, mustard, and spices.
The result is a creamy, savory filling that’s piped back into the egg whites. Deviled eggs are a smart option for those with diabetes because they provide a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate snack that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
The moderate fat content in the filling adds satiety, making them a satisfying and guilt-free treat. Indulge in this balanced combination of protein and flavor. Savor each bite in mindfulness, while recognizing the blessings that come from moderation and gratitude.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
Ham and Edamame Chop Salad (diabetesfoodhub.org)
〚Click on the link in the title for full recipe details/nutritional card〛
Indulge in a burst of fresh and savory flavors with this delightful Edamame and Ham Salad. The dressing, a harmonious blend of 1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream, minced garlic, cider vinegar, and a dash of dried dill, sets the stage for a tantalizing experience.
The salad itself is a vibrant mix of textures and colors, featuring 6 cups of chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup of fresh shelled edamame, 4 oz of extra-lean diced ham, a peeled and chopped medium cucumber, diced green bell pepper, diced red onion, and very thinly sliced, reduced-fat Swiss cheese torn into small pieces.
As a final touch, two large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved, add a creamy richness.
The dressing, when combined with this medley of ingredients, creates a symphony of flavors that meld perfectly, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
And there you have it, folks! A salad filled with wholesome ingredients honors the temple of our bodies and reminds us to treat them with respect and gratitude. 🙏
Psalm 34:8:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
〚Click on the link in the title for full recipe details/nutritional card〛
Dive into the warm, comforting embrace of Thanksgiving with our irresistible low-carb pumpkin bars. It’s the perfect guilt-free dessert to conclude your feast. These delectable bars are a celebration of autumn flavors. By blending the richness of pumpkin with a carefully curated mix of low-carb ingredients.
The velvety pumpkin base, sweetened with a hint of your preferred low-carb sweetener, is sure to activate those tastebuds into mouthwatering delight!
The magic continues with a sprinkling of seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, infusing each bite with that signature Thanksgiving warmth.
Topped with a delicious cream cheese spread, these low-carb pumpkin bars offer a satisfyingly sweet conclusion to your holiday meal – without sending your carb count skyrocketing through the roof! 🙌
In the sweetness of this delectable dessert, we find a reminder to seek refuge in the goodness of the Lord. Embracing the joy that comes from both spiritual and physical nourishment. So, indulge without compromising your commitment to a low-carb lifestyle, and give thanks to God for these heavenly pumpkin bars! 😇
Enjoy!
And that wraps up our top 5 diabetic-friendly, low-carb, side dish recipes! We genuinely hope these recipes spark some culinary excitement for your holiday celebrations. Remember, these recipes are not just about managing dietary restrictions; they are an expression of gratitude, love, and faith.
As you savor each dish, may it be a reminder of the abundance of blessings in your life. This Thanksgiving, let faith guide your culinary journey, transforming it into a celebration of health, gratitude, and the goodness of God.
Wishing you a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving! 🍂🦃
Maisha is a Life Coach and the founder of Altruism Prism, a blog where she shares her faith journey and experiences living with Type 1 diabetes. She is passionate about inspiring others to live authentically and spread kindness and compassion to everyone they meet.