diabetic holiday dinner?

[hmbay]

My mom just got diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They're going to be having Christmas dinner with DH and me and our kids. I know she has different diatary needs but pretty much all she'll tell me when I ask what she'd like for dinner is "I'll eat what I can--just make whatever". I have no pre-conceived notions that Christmas dinner has to be X so I'm open to making something she can enjoy but I have no idea what that is. Anyone have any suggestions? I know she has to watch her carbs but that's about all I know to work with.

[sublime311]

I would stick with low carb, high fiber foods.

If you're doing ham, lose the brown sugar and pineapples. If you're doing sweet potatoes (which have a lower glycemic index than regular potatoes), lose the brown sugar and marshmallows (consider baking them instead). Broccoli and green beans would be awesome choices for a veggie sides along with a fresh salad with a vinegar and olive oil dressing. Whole wheat/grain bread would be a great alternative for the bread. For dessert, a good choice would be fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) and sugar-free white chocolate pudding (so yummy). For appetizers, definitely, have some low-fat sandwich meat and low-fat cheeses along with fresh veggies. Low-fat cream cheese or sour cream dips are ok.

Avoid: Sugar, (try splenda in recipes), brown sugar (splenda has a brown sugar version now) white flour, corn, bananas, pineapples, white potatoes, white rice, white pasta, and margarine (I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is ok).

My mom was diabetic and followed the South Beach Diet and saw AMAZING drops in her levels. The above recommendations are loosely based on the SBD. Here is a low-carb recipe thread. And here is a thread about the glycemic index which provides the basis (guidlines) for the diabetic diet. Diabetics should avoid foods with a high glycemic index.

[KitKat]

Sorry to hear about your mom. Generally try to avoid sugar and carbs where you can. Maybe a roast or lamb or lobster with two types of warm vegetables instead of starchy sides or bread? And big fresh green salad. Fresh fruit with/or sorbet for dessert or you can make a dessert with sugar substitute or reduced sugar. Also try to avoid fruit juice or keep it to a minimum. There are a lot of ways to have diabetic friendly meals without making anyone feel deprived or making your mom feel bad! She can still have a glass of wine since it's a holiday dinner though!

[hmbay]

Thanks guys. I've got some ideas to work with. DH and I eat way too many carbs I know so my first thought was "huh what in the world can I feed her?" but I know there are lots of things out there--I just need to think "differently" (which isn't a bad thing--DH and I could stand to improve our diet!)