Eating when you have type 2 diabetes is hard, especially around holidays like Easter, and the key thing to keep in mind is balancing carbohydrates with proteins and fats to minimize blood sugar swings. No, diabetics can't just eat what they want for the holiday, despite what some of the stories on the internet/social media might say. Sorry. No can do. Decadence is out. What is possible is to eat a nutritious, really good meal that is easy to make and that people enjoy.
The diabetic will need to keep an eye on the total amount of carbohydrates they eat. That means that if they eat a helping of scalloped potatoes, they should probably forgo a large roll (or vice versa). Non-starchy vegetables are the diabetic's friend. For example, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach and other greens, and even carrots are good, if cooked simply (and not topped with lots of breading and butter). Fruit is a great option for dessert (in moderation--i.e., a small bowl), even though the carbohydrate load may be high because of the natural sugars in fruit. The sugars in fruit generally will be absorbed more slowly than the sugars in cookies, pies, and cakes because the fruit also has fiber (as well as beneficial vitamins and minerals). Plus, the fruit tastes really good after a fancy dinner.
Yes, diabetics can have a special treat, but try to minimize the total amount of carbohydrates and fats in it. That means, especially, limiting sugar in baked goods--white sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, and agave, for example. I personally don't like the taste of artificial or processed sweeteners--including stevia--and most are very expensive, so I don't use them. Some "experts" also recommend limiting artificial/processed sweeteners (including so-called "natural sweeteners") because many are intensely sweet and sustain "sweet cravings." I just try to avoid the artificial/commercial sugar alternatives and use fruit to sweeten desserts, including cookies and cakes. The baked goods will be different, but they will still be good and far better for you, particularly if you're a diabetic, than baked goods that are loaded with sugar (and many fats).
So, all that said, here are some suggestions for what to feed a type 2 diabetic for Easter dinner. All are good, and, when eaten in moderation (as always!!!), reasonably good for you! And, yes, non-diabetics will enjoy the foods, too. Enjoy!
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