When you first think of Hanukkah usually the next thing you think about is the food we eat on the holiday, doughnuts, chocolates, latkes right? It’s hard not to, it’s all over the place and for sure the kids are talking about it. Hanukkah is about miracles and celebration, According to tradition when the Temple Menorah was rekindled during the re-dedication, only enough oil to last for one day could be found, however this small amount burned for eight days and nights until more oil was brought. To celebrate the miracle of the oil we eat a variety of foods fried in oil. So you think why not? I want to join in with everybody, I will be good after the holiday. It is a hard time for diabetics and especially if you are trying to lose weight. So what do you do? Not join in? Then you will become depressed and probably end up overeating anyway. The answer? Plan ahead for the holiday stay in control and then you can allow yourself a treat without feeling bad. If you are going to a party eat something small before going out to take the edge of your appetite, like a bowl of oatmeal/cereal or a piece of fruit. Offer to bring a dish that you could eat with no guilt feelings! Exercise a little more that week than you would normally, walk more or do an extra workout. Socialize with everybody and don’t make the food the centre of your night. If you have to have something deep-fried or something very sweet, just try having a few small bites just to get the taste and then put it down. You could make a salad and use OLIVE OIL for the dressing so you are still using oil but in a healthier way. These are just some ways to help you over one of so many holidays we have. Someone once gave me these recipes: Diabetic friendly Doughnuts and Latkes, You still have to eat them in moderation though if you are trying to lose weight. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the holiday with your family. Enjoy and Happy Hanukkah!!
Doughnuts recipe 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar 4 Tablespoons sugar replacement 1/3 cup buttermilk 1 egg 1 cup flour 1/8 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder Nutmeg Cinnamon Vanilla extract Salt Oil for deep frying Combine sugars, buttermilk, egg beat together add remaining except oil beat until blended. Heat oil 375F drop dough into hot fat fry until golden brown turning often drain I serving-1 doughnut = 1 Bread, 1 Fat 130 calories
Latkes Recipe 2 large Potatoes unpeeled 1 small onion (optional) 2 eggs (whites only) 1 tablespoon all purpose flour 1 tsp salt ½ tsp baking powder 4tsp Canola oil ½ cup low fat sour cream or yogurt Finely shred potato and onion place in sieve press to remove excess moisture in bowl whisk together egg whites, flour, salt and baking powder until smooth stir in potato mixture. In large non-stick skillet heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. When water drops splatter on skillet spoon potato mixture about 2 tablespoons at a time onto the skillet to form 3 inch pancakes. Let me know how you get on! Deborah Ohayon Health Consultant Healthy Designs Healthy Designs3@yahoo.com