At sundown on Wednesday, families will ring in the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is a two-day celebration marked by candle lighting, prayer service, and festive meals. The holiday tradition is that sweet food will lead to a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah doesn't have to be a diabetes disaster. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious alternatives to the customary high-carb fare.

Pick Pomegranates

Dipping a slice of apple in honey is an iconic holiday ritual; but a single tablespoon of honey has over 17 grams of carbs and sugar! Instead, reach for a pomegranate. Pomegranates are also considered symbolic of future success and are much lower on the glycemic index.  Moreover, this fruit may even lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol in people living with diabetes!

 

Stay Seasonal

Rugelach cookies and round honey cakes are tempting, but seasonal fruits are a much healthier option. Sweet butternut squash, tomatoes, apples, and peaches should be available this time of year. While they do contain some carbs and fructose, they are also fiber rich and full of important vitamins and minerals. The same can't be said about your grandmother's bread pudding 😉

Slightly Sweeten Main Dishes

Naturally sweeten your main course while maintaining an overall low-sugar dish. Garnish roast chicken with apricots or add carrots & onions to your slow-cooked brisket.

Wine & Dine

Jewish ceremonial meals aren't complete without "fruit of the vine." Avoiding alcohol may seem like the smart move, but grape juice isn't an awesome alternative. On average, a glass of grape juice has 30 grams of carbs. Red wine has a cool 4 grams🍷 Not low carb enough? Make a spritzer by mixing equal parts wine and seltzer. Cheers! Hungry for more? These reduced-carb recipes will keep you satisfied without sabotaging your sugars.