7 Diabetic Friendly Recipes for Thanksgiving

Millions of Americans eagerly await the Thanksgiving feast every year. For people living with diabetes, however, the inability to indulge in their festive favorites can lead to disappointment. But managing diabetes doesn’t have to mean missing out on an amazing meal -- particularly when caregivers incorporate plenty of healthy options into the menu. Read on for a roundup of seven diabetic friendly recipes perfect for pleasing all of your guests this Thanksgiving.

1. Orange Rosemary Turkey

Turkey is the main attraction on any Thanksgiving table, but if you’ve ever choked down a piece of dry, flavorless turkey, you know turkey can go very wrong if not properly prepared. The secret to an impossibly moist and flavor-packed gobbler? Orange slices tucked under the skin. This turkey is so tasty that no one will ever know it’s a diabetic friendly recipe.

2. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Onions

Looking to add some cruciferous crunch to your meal? Look no further than this simple yet delicious recipe, which brings together three classic fall flavors into one vibrant dish. Plus, you can’t go wrong with Brussels sprouts, which are loaded with cancer-fighting and heart-healthy antioxidants.

3. Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

What do you get when you cross mashed potatoes with a sizable serving of everyone’s favorite seasonal squash? Pumpkin mashed potatoes, of course! This healthy twist on one of the Thanksgiving’s most celebrated sides swaps out the cream for fat-free milk but maintains its rich, decadent texture thanks to the incorporation of reduced fat cream cheese. Served in miniature pumpkin bowls, this dish is as delicious to look at as it is to eat.

4. Oven-Roasted Squash with Garlic & Parsley

Not a fan of squash? You’re likely to become a convert once you’ve tried this earthy roasted version adapted from famed chef Alice Waters. The best part? This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. You can even cut the squash the day before Thanksgiving to minimize work on the holiday.

5. Buttermilk Corn Muffins

Low in carbs but high in flavor, these savory muffins will satisfy cravings while keeping sugar and fat at a minimum.

6. Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

Step away from that can of jellied cranberry sauce. The fresh version not only tastes better, but also cuts carbs and loads up on fiber. Oranges -- with just a touch of sugar -- add the perfect amount of sweetness. Factor in the cranberries, which are a superfood and have just 25 calories per half cup, and this is one seriously satisfying sauce to serve to loved ones.

7. Spiced Pumpkin Cookies

Dessert can be particularly tricky territory for diabetics, but your guests will be giving thanks for these wholesome cookies made with pumpkin, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. And did we mention that they contain no butter?

While planning a Thanksgiving dinner consisting of diabetic friendly recipes may take some extra research, it is possible to help aging loved ones with diabetes successfully navigate the holiday feast. Not to mention that knowing that you’re safeguarding the health and wellness of your family and friends by serving up a healthy holiday meal will make it well worth your while.

But why stop at Thanksgiving? We’ve also rounded up recipes from senior living chefs as well as cold weather favorites your aging loved one will love.

Of course, the holidays also present challenges to seniors beyond food. Download "5 Ways to Help Your Aging Loved One this Holiday Season" for insights into how best to support your aging loved one at this time of year.